Mary Slavish Brebner

MARY S. BREBNER   STAUNTON, VA… Mary Slavish Brebner went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 9th. Mary was born in Conemaugh, Pennsylvania to Jacob and Mary Wetzler Slavish.  She was married to the late James Irwin Brebner, Sr. for 37 years.   After raising their children in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Mary and Jim moved to the Shenandoah Valley to enjoy their retirement. They loved to welcome friends and family to their "home on the hill".   Mary believed that "if you want to have a friend, be a friend," and she personified this saying. She was open, interested, warm and welcoming to everyone. Her home was a delightful place to visit and her garden was her special creation.   Mary's many friendships led to her membership in many clubs and organizations. She was a longtime member of Kings Daughters Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop, where she volunteered regularly. Her talent for growing things led to her membership in the Beverley Garden Club. Mary was also a talented and enthusiastic needle woman. She enjoyed membership in the Friendly Friday Stitchers and the Shenandoah Valley American Needlepoint Guild.Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and by her dear brother, Peter C. Slavish. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Susan B. Davis (Charles), and her sons, James I. Brebner (Julia), and John A. Brebner (Jean). She loved her wonderful grandchildren: Mary Catherine Griffith (Lloyd), Meredith M. Brebner, Kevin M. Brebner, Maria B. Harmon (Colin) and James Brebner, Keith Davis (Beth), Amy Hisey (Brent), and great grandchildren Meghan and Kate. Special gratitude and highest praise to doctors and staff at Office of Mary T. O’Brien, MD, Augusta Health especially Jack Breaux III, MD, all staff at The Legacy at North Augusta and deep appreciation for all Mary’s devoted Legacy friends.   A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, December 18th, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church conducted by Reverend T. Bryson Smith. The family will receive friends following in the Family Life Center. Memorial contributions may be made to The Legacy at North Augusta to benefit the Staunton Benevolent Endowment Fund, C/O Director of Philanthropy, 1410-A North Augusta Street, Staunton, VA 24401 or Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. Box 215, Fishersville, VA 22939.   Henry Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.