NORFOLKâMargaret R. (Belda) Travis 89, of Norfolk, died peacefully surrounded by her family at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, on Tuesday January 17, 2012 following an illness. She was the wife of the late Burleigh A. Travis, Jr. who died in 1980.
Born in Nassawadox, Virginia, on September 22, 1922 a daughter of the late Antonio and Margaret (Manly) Belda, she was a resident of Northampton County, Virginia for many years until moving to Pennsylvania, and finally settling in Norfolk 4 years ago.
Mrs. Travis was raised and educated in Virginia and was a retired homemaker. Margaret, who was the matriarch of the family, took great delight in keeping traditions of family in everyday life. At gatherings she was the center of attention, and she spent all of her time devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
She was predeceased in death by her daughter Mary M. Moyers of Virginia, and is survived by her son, Vincent F. Travis of Pennsylvania, and a daughter Rita A. Travis and her husband Richard Leffelholz of Norfolk, her grandchildren; Christopher Moyers and his wife Karen of Pennsylvania, Robert T. Moyers and his wife Delain of Virginia, Theresa M. Zitkevitz and her husband Timothy of New Jersey, Benjamin T. Leffelholz and Hannah T. Leffelholz both of Norfolk, and her great grandchildren; Antonia Angiolillo-Moyers, Thomas A. and Caroline M. Zitkevitz & Abigail L. Moyers.
She also leaves two sisters-in-laws, Betty Travis and Lucille Belda, nephews Gordon Lee Ward and Patrick Dunton, and Mrs. E.D. Ward and her great-nieces and nephews Carol, Lisa, A.C., Mike, Chuck, Gordon and Tony Ward and their families, all of Virginia, and her dear friend Barbara Cole of Wrentham.
She is the sister of the late Mary Ward, Francis and Thomas Belda, and the aunt of the late Austin Ward, Jr.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass Saturday January 21st, at St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish 35 South Main St. Sherborn, MA 01770 at 10AM. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sherborn.
Calling hours are Friday from 6-8PM at the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. Franklin, www.oterifuneralhome.com.
Flowers are welcome, or donations in her memory sent to ACTS (Actions in the Community through Service) P.O. Box 74, Dumfries, VA 22026.