Megan Martin Magin

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Megan Martin Magin, a cherished wife and mother, who left us far too soon on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the age of 48. 

The world will be a little dimmer without her. Everyone who met Megan knows that her laughter and boundless energy filled every room she entered. She was somehow the perfect combination of smart, funny, sarcastic, hardworking, joyful, and fierce. Her family was her priority - and many beyond her devoted husband John and beloved children were fortunate to be considered by her to be “family.” She was a true friend to many. 

Born on April 24, 1976, to J. Ernest and Judith (Beachy) Martin in Orville, OH, Megan grew up in Harrisonburg, VA as the youngest child in a close-knit family.

In 1997 she was introduced to John Magin, with a mutual friend’s casual comment of “wouldn’t it be funny if you guys got married, you’d be Megan Magin” and the rest is history. John and Megan would go on to have all the normal ups and downs of life, but had the kind of marriage most can only hope for: a true partnership, a deep friendship, a beautiful love, and an awareness that they had found their person. 

In her short life, Megan wore many hats and juggled countless roles. She was a wife and mother, two positions she held with great pride. With a degree from Longwood University, she started her career as an English teacher at the middle and high school levels. She was a staple in the Farmville hospitality industry and a respected business owner. Even when she shifted into entrepreneurship, anyone who worked with Megan knows that she never stopped teaching and mentoring. 

Alongside John, Megan developed the concept for, and started, what is currently The Virginia Tasting Cellar. She worked tirelessly in management, service, and day to day function at The Cellar and at Charley’s Waterfront Cafe, it’s sister restaurant. The employees there, especially those students from nearby Longwood, often referred to Megan as “Mama,” as she loved, taught, and mothered them. The people at Charley’s - staff and regulars alike - were part of her family and will deeply feel her loss. 

She is survived by John, her children, Jacob and Addison, her parents, Ernie and Judy Martin, her brother Nicholas Martin (Shari), her sister Melissa Mayhew (Fred), nephew Miles and niece Sadie.

As a part of the Magin family for more than 25 years, she will also be deeply missed by John’s parents Donald and Margaret Magin, his siblings, their spouses, and her many nieces and nephews who adored her. John and Megan’s door (and kitchen!) was always open, and many incredible memories were made in their home. 

A celebration of Megan’s life will be held on November 10, 2024, at Charley’s Waterfront Café and The Virginia Tasting Cellar from 2-6pm. Friends and family are encouraged to stop by at any time. Her sudden passing after a short illness comes as a great shock, and it is gravely felt by her entire family and by countless others who loved her. The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and, in lieu of flowers, asks you to consider a contribution to an account set up to support Jacob and Addison. Donations can be made at any Woodforest National Bank branch (inside Walmart) or via Venmo using the phone number 4347388159 for both.

Megan will be dearly missed, but her memory and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.