Senator Manchin Mourns Loss of His Mother

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and his family are mourning the loss of his 91 year-old mother, Mary, who died Monday, May 12, 2014.

Mary Manchin, whose father was a Czechoslovakian immigrant, grew up in the small town of Rachel in Marion County, West Virginia. She attended Farmington High School where she played intramural basketball.

At Farmington she met her future husband, John Manchin. They were married in 1941 and had five children, John, Rock, Joe, Janet and Paula.

The Manchin’s ran a grocery store in Farmington that eventually expanded to include furniture.

“Today, the good Lord brought my dear mother home to rest in eternal peace next to my father,” Sen. Manchin said in a news release. “Gayle and I, and our entire family, are saddened by the loss of my beloved mother who touched so many in her life, but we know that she is now in a better place. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.”

Sen. Jay Rockefeller, (D-W.Va.) also issued a statement:

“I was very saddened upon hearing of Mary Manchin’s passing.  She was a guiding force in Sen. Manchin’s life, an inspiration to her family and totally dedicated to her community and her state. Sharon and I join with West Virginians everywhere in offering our prayers for the entire Manchin family.”

And Second District U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released the following statement:

“My heart goes out to Joe and his entire family on the passing of Mary Manchin. My family has been friends with the Manchin family for years, and I know Mary was a devoted, nurturing and loving mother. At this very difficult time, I am sending my thoughts and prayers to the Manchin family and encourage West Virginians to do the same.”

First District U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, (D-W.Va.) had this to say:

“Mary Manchin was more than an inspirational force upon her children, because at least with our Senator, she taught by example, applying her considerable love for athletics to mold his character, sense of fairness
and winning attitude in life.  In a state where faith and family mean everything, in the Manchin family, that is exponentially true.  Our hearts and prayers go out to our friends, Joe and Gayle Manchin, their family and
countless friends as we remember this precious and proud Mother, this gracious daughter of West Virginia.”