Marian Karns Agnew
Nov. 27, 1928 – Aug. 24, 2021
Marian Karns Agnew, 92, of Richmond Virginia, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, August 24, 2021.
Marian was preceded in death by her parents Helen and George Karns, and daughter Leslie Agnew. She is survived by former husband, Malcolm Agnew; sister Eleanor Muller; son George and former wife, Alexa Hunter; son Zander and wife Rebecca; nephew Charles Fisher and wife Mary Applegate; nephew Jamie Fisher and wife Tristan Holmberg; granddaughter Isabella Hunter Agnew; grandson Everett Agnew; step-grandson Erik Walton and wife Micki; step-great-grandchildren Nathan and Jennah; and “grandchildren” Virginia, Abbi, Sam, and Maggie.
Marian was born in Louisville Kentucky, and, after graduating from Smith College in 1950, married Malcolm J. Agnew, a 1949 graduate of West Point. After tours in the United States, Spain, and Germany with the United States Air Force, Colonel Agnew’s family settled in McLean Virginia with their three children Leslie, George, and Zander. The family then expanded with the addition of Malcolm’s nephews, Charles and Jamie.
During their time in McLean, Marian earned her Law degree from Catholic University to facilitate her passion for creating parks and protecting the environment. Additionally, fighting injustice was a major focus for Marian.
In the 1980’s, Marian was drawn to become a member of the Baha’i Faith by its principles. Of primary importance to her were the oneness of mankind, the oneness of religion, the equality of men and women, and the emphasis on justice. “The best beloved of all things in My sight is justice.”
Marian was a vibrant, gutsy, and talented lady. She loved painting, gardening, and interior design. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends – especially her constant companion, her beloved poodle, Oliver.
Her funeral service will take place Tuesday, August 31 at 2:30 pm at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, Hillside Mausoleum, 12609 Patterson Ave, Richmond, Va 23238.
Such a wonderful smart and kind person, Oliver, her poodle misses her so much but he’s being cared for by a very compassionate person who will spoil him and make sure he gets his regular groomings (as poodles need and as was so very important to Marian). She had a special bond to Oliver. She will be missed by all who knew her. RIP my friend
Marian taught me everything about fighting highways and environmental defense. We were both active in CONTACt US, compiling one of the first records of National highway battles in 1980. We then jointly worked on the NOVASphere, an environmental newsletter for Northern Virginia. She was my mentor and I am saddened by her passing. My regards to her family..
Something inclined me to see how Ms. Agnew was doing after doing a full 360 with her health in the summer of 2020. I had the pleasure of private sitting overnights with this gem. She always spoke true words of wisdom and had a pure heart and soul. You are always in my thoughts rest peacefully beautiful!