Knieriem, Mary Catherine
Mary Catherine Knieriem, age 91, of Pearisburg, Virginia, passed away on June 28, 2026, surrounded by the quiet dignity and love that marked her long and meaningful life.
She was born on January 23, 1935, in San Diego, California, and carried with her throughout her life the strength, warmth, and steadiness that so often begin in a loving home and are refined through years of experience.
Mary was the daughter of the late Ray Venberg and Rose Catherine Elliott Venberg. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Allen Knieriem, and by her siblings, Ray Venberg, Jr. and Dordi Rose Moriel. These family ties remained an important part of her life story, and she carried their memory with her always.
She is survived by her son, Stephen Murray (Allison); her daughters, Beth Murray of Pearisburg, Virginia, and Mary Dorthea Murray of Virginia Beach. Mary also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her great pride and joy.
Mary attended one year of college, and while her formal education was brief, her life was rich with the lessons of experience, perseverance, and dedication. She worked as a clothing manufacturer and was, in every sense, a seamstress of a lifetime. Her hands were skilled, her work was dependable, and her contribution to her craft reflected the care and patience that she brought to all that she did. Beyond her work, Mary loved crochet, sewing, and reading, pastimes that reflected both her creativity and her thoughtful nature. Whether she was working with fabric and thread, creating something useful or beautiful, or spending time with a good book, she found contentment in activities that allowed her to use her hands and mind with purpose.
There will be a private burial at a later date in the Southwestern Virginia Veterans Cemetery where she will be laid to rest. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Knieriem family.
