Marjorie Oliver

Private graveside services for Marjorie Oliver, who passed away in mid-April, were held on May 8.  Penny Harrington, Lay Minister of the First United Methodist Church of New Berlin, offered the committal prayers.

The eldest daughter of Ivon and Clara Shampang, Marge was a good student and the first of her family to graduate high school.  She began her work years while in her teens, clerking for the F. W. Woolworth Store.  In the early 1950’s, Marge joined the typing pool at Norwich Pharmacal Company, continuing there through their transitions to Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals and lastly P & G.  For most of her years there, she was in the Research Department at Woods Corners, where she helped to get many new drugs in into the market.  Though she always wanted to be “Della Street”, the title of secretary eluded her and, though she did the job, she retired as an Administrative Assistant.

Following her hours at Norwich Eaton, Marge served as the typist for Dr. Henry Paul, who turned his love of binoculars, cameras, and telescopes into manuscripts.  Throughout these years, she saw the books printed and reprinted, doing again the typing for the edits and supplements.

Marge’s last “job” was as a volunteer for the Chenango County Historical Society, where she worked under the direction of Patricia Evans, the daughter of Marge’s good friend, Mildred Hazard.

In her youth, Marge took lessons on the violin, but didn’t pursue it.  She enjoyed dancing and good dance music, with Guy Lombardo’s orchestra being her favorite; strawberry shortcake, and maple creams with dark chocolate coating.  She enjoyed the state fair and especially the Otsego County Fair in Morris, where she would volunteer as a booth watcher for the antique exhibit.

Marge was predeceased by her husband, John; by her parents and sister; and by her beloved MacGyver, whom she named because of his uncanny ability to get into, and then out of, situations.  She is survived by her daughter, Mary.

Special thanks should be given to the staff at Elizabeth Church Manor Nursing Home for the care they provided Marge during her final years; to Barry Crawford, who was truly a friend in need; to long-time friend and fellow co-worker Dawn Holcomb who went way above and beyond in assisting Marge; and to Debbie Sumner, former co-worker who never forgot to send Marge cheery greetings on the holidays.  Special thanks to Tom Ackerman of the Dakin Funeral Home for his support at a very difficult time.

Those wishing to remember Marge with a memorial contribution should donate to their favorite charity, or to one of Marge’s – Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, Chenango County SPCA or LeSabre Indian School.