Obituary of Marjorie H. MacPherson

Age 98, passed away at Bethany Manor in Horseheads on Saturday, September 2, 2023, after living a long and active life.  Marge was born and raised in Endicott NY the daughter of Bruce and Edna (Culver) Hubbard.  She was predeceased by her loving husband of 58 years, Walter B. MacPherson who died on April 3, 2009.  Marge is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Sally M. and Douglas Davis of Elmira; sons and daughter-in-law, Bruce C. and Pamela MacPherson of Texas, Mark T. MacPherson of Elmira; former daughter-in-law Shelly MacPherson;  grandchildren, Sandi Bryant (Jason), Lori Geiling (Bryan), Todd Davis (Christina), Greg   MacPherson (Nicole), Jessica McComb (Elizabeth Juarez), Allison  MacPherson-Sheehan (Matt Sheehan), Lauren MacPherson (fiancé Kevin Brimmer); great grandchildren, Tyler, Analiesa, and Hailey Geiling, Jake and Savannah Bryant, Giana and Aaron Davis, Grayson and Harper MacPherson, Aiden McComb, Leo and Remy Sheehan.

Marge earned her Bachelors Degree in Music Education at Ithaca College and a Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of Michigan.  She started as an Elementary Vocal Music Teacher in the Elmira City School District in 1955, retiring in 1983, while also serving as Chairperson of the District’s Vocal Music Program for three years prior to retiring. Marge was actively involved with various community organizations. She was a longtime volunteer with the Arnot Ogden Medical Center Auxiliary with over 28,000 hours of service. While there Marge along with another retired teacher Beverly Evans were credited with the development and running of the Poison Prevention Program presented to Pre-K, nursery schools and kindergartens in six counties. In 2017 the Auxiliary’s poison prevention program was recognized by the American Hospital Association with Marge and Beverly receiving on behalf of the Auxiliary the Hospital Award for Volunteer Excellence (HAVE) in Washington, D.C.  Named the finest Community Outreach Program in the United States, the program continued to grow with over 5,000 children reached in the 2018-19 school year alone. She served on the Board of the AOMC Auxiliary as President and helped to raise over one million dollars for the Falck Cancer Center through an annual series of Orchids & Candlelight programs she chaired.

Marge was an active supporter and administrative volunteer at the Clemens Center since its opening in 1977. For twenty years Marge and her late husband Walt volunteered their time to handle the transportation needs of the many artists who performed at the Clemens Center.

Marge was a member of Alpha Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, Thursday Morning Musicales, Junior League of Greater Elmira/Corning, New York State Retired Teachers Assoc., Elmira Area Retired Teachers, and Grace Episcopal Church in Elmira. She was recipient of many honors including AOMC’s Ambassador Award (1989); Both the NYS School Music Associations’ Outstanding Teacher and the Elmira City Schools Teacher of the Year (1983); Chemung County Senior Citizen of the Year (2014); and YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award (2015) among others.

In Marge’s own words on her outlook on life and advice to others:

Keep strong…Keep smiling…Keep laughing…Keep loving…Keep patient…Keep your faith!

Think positive thoughts…Cherish your family and friends and make the most of

every moment of every day!

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A Requiem Mass will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Grace Episcopal Church, 375 W. Church St., Elmira. Committal prayers and burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a reception from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the Clemens Center for a celebration of Marge’s life. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember Marge with a donation to the Arnot Ogden Medical Center Auxiliary; the Clemens Center; or Grace Episcopal Church.