Obituary of Margaret Seifert Schiffer

Margaret Seifert Schiffer, a longtime resident of Claryville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 12.  She was 91 years old.  In her home, surrounded by many of her children and grandchildren, she went to her Eternal Father. 

Born in Teaneck, N.J. to the late John and Rose Seifert , Margaret began coming to Claryville as a young girl.  As a teen she worked at the Grossinger’s Airport, taking her pay in flying lessons.  Later she worked at Camp St. Joseph in Forestburgh as a camp counselor and archery instructor.  This was where she met her future husband Mike, also a camp counselor, in a canoe in the middle of the lake.

Margaret graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the College of New Rochelle.  She was an accomplished artist, teacher, jeweler, and a certified gemologist.  With a life-long passion for learning new skills, in her mid-80’s she became a talented wood-turner and co-founder of Claryville Woodworks. 

Margaret was married to the late H. Michael Schiffer for nearly 60 years.  Together they raised their family in Bloomfield, CT.  Family was always the most important thing in her life.  Summers, weekends, and any free time was spent with family and friends in Claryville.  In 1994, she and Mike retired to Claryville and immersed themselves in numerous community activities.  At the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, she served as a Eucharistic Minister.  She was a trustee for the Daniel Pierce Library, active in the Head Start program, and a cemetery board member for the Claryville Reformed Church.  As a member of the Claryville Fire Department for 28 years, Margaret served countless numbers of people at the monthly pancake breakfasts and always made everyone feel welcome.

Margaret was predeceased by her beloved husband Mike, her daughter Elizabeth, grandson Brendan O’Donnell and sister Dorothy Hafner.  She leaves behind her 11 children and their spouses, 49 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, her sister Rosemary Clair, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.  She was kind, generous and touched the lives of so many, embracing everyone as if they were her own. 

At her request, a celebration of her life is planned for 11:00 am on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at the River’s Edge Pavillion, 6 Tannery Way, Claryville, NY.  In her memory, donations may be made to the Schiffer Children’s Reading Room at the Daniel Pierce Library, P.O. Box 268, 328 Main Street, Grahamsville, N.Y.  12740.

Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52, Woodbourne, NY. For additional information, please contact the funeral home at 845-434-7363 or visit the website at www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

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