MARY R. MARPE

JOHNSONVILLE - Mary R. Marpe of Johnsonville died peacefully on Monday, April 23, 2018 with her loving family by her side. Born in Valley Falls on September 24, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Loretta (Harrington) Rennie and the beloved wife of the late Walter R. Marpe. She was predeceased by her son Walter H. Marpe and her sister Davena Osterhout. She is survived by her daughters, Patricia (Noel) Casabonne of Chestertown, NY and Lauren (Stan) Harvey of Dalton, MA. Grandmother “Mimi” to Timothy (Jennifer) Casabonne, Steven (Kelly Skoglund), Andrew (Mary Martialay) Casabonne, Elizabeth “Beth” (William) Campana , April (Liam) Harvey Frank, Sarah Harvey, Sean Harvey. Greatgrandmother of Ani Casabonne, Marc and Kyle Casabonne, Matthew and Claire Campana, Ruthie Casabonne, Lilly and Elodie Frank. Sister of Catherine Adams, sister-in-law of Edith Krupansky and “Aunt Mary” to many special nieces and nephews. Mary was a graduate of Valley Falls High School Class of 1939. Prior to her marriage to Walt in 1941, Mary was employed by New York Telephone and the Thompson Textile Mill in Valley Falls. They moved to Louisiana, living in military housing prior to his being sent to the Pacific in WW II. Following the War in 1945 they built their home on the family homestead on Marpe Road in Johnsonville and operated a successful dairy farm. Mary lived in their home until her recent brief illness. Her home was always a special gathering place where she enjoyed the company of her cherished family, neighbors and friends.

Mary and Walt were fortunate to have traveled extensively, including visits to family in Germany as well as visiting the Rennie homelands in Scotland. Mary was a sweet gentle person who was always kind and welcoming to all. She enjoyed playing cards and the friendship of her friends at the Mechanicville Senior Center. She was an avid reader having visited the Valley Falls Library, since she was able to read, and well into her 95th year. She was a member of the Women’s Club of Valley Falls and vicinity, the Johnsonville and Hoosick Grange and a charter member of the Women’s Auxillary V.F.W. Post 1938 in Valley Falls and the United Methodist Church. Relatives and friends may call from 4-7:00 pm on Friday, April 27, 2018 at the Chase-Smith Family Funeral Home, 173 Main Street, Schaghticoke. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday at the United Methodist Church, 22 Bridge Street, Johnsonville. The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the staff on the Fenimore Unit, Schuyler Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Home. In lieu of flowers kindly consider donations to the Valley Falls Library, PO Box 296, Valley Falls or Christ United Methodist Church in Johnsonville. Online remembrances may be made at www.chasesmithfamily.com