Mary Virginia Breiding, born on April 3, 1943, passed away peacefully at the age of 83, surrounded by her loving family, in her hometown of Wheeling, WV, on June 10, 2026.
Mary’s life was a testament to love, devotion, and compassion. Her journey began in Wheeling, where she spent her formative years and eventually built a beautiful life filled with family and faith. She dedicated much of her career to Stone & Thomas Department Store, but her true calling was as a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mary found immeasurable joy in nurturing and caring for her family, which she held as her most cherished role.
Her interests were as vibrant as her spirit. Mary enjoyed cooking, dancing, playing BINGO, and shopping. Friends and family fondly remember her thoughtful poetry written for special occasions, each piece a testament to her generous heart and creative soul. A member of a ladies’ card club, Mary cherished the camaraderie and joy shared over games and laughter.
A devout Catholic, Mary was a dedicated member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Warwood. Her faith guided her throughout her life, and she actively participated as a member of the Corpus Christi Christian Mothers, embodying the values of compassion and service.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Leo John and Mary Marguerite (Aaron) Singer, and her beloved son Eugene Breiding and his wife, Diane.
Her legacy of love continues through her surviving family: her devoted husband of more than 63 years, Thomas S. Breiding, Sr.; her children, Thomas (Janet) Breiding, Jr. of McMurray, PA, Paul Breiding of St. Clairsville, OH, and Shawn (Nichole) Breiding of Wheeling, WV; and her siblings, Sister Joan Singer of Wheeling, WV, Carol (George) Hersey of Hillsboro, OH, Janice Naegele of South Point, OH, and David (Paula) Singer of Wheeling, WV. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Scott Breiding, Danica (Coree) Cox, Jack Breiding, Jimmy (Jordan) Breiding, Ryan Breiding (Riley Leiffer), Angie Breiding, Cole Sutphin, and Chloe Breiding; plus several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless friends, especially her lifelong friend, Julie Mennilo, who will miss her dearly.
A Memorial Mass will be held to celebrate Mary’s life at Corpus Christi Catholic Church on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., followed by inurnment at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Wheeling, WV, where she will be laid to eternal rest.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary’s honor may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.tmcfunding.com. Memories and condolences for Mary’s family may be shared at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com.
All funeral arrangements are entrusted to Altmeyer Funeral Homes, 1400 Eoff Street, Wheeling, WV 26003.
Mary Virginia Breiding will forever be remembered for her boundless love and unwavering faith, leaving an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to have known her.
