SOUTH GLENS FALLS

Marjorie “Marge” Fairley, 80, passed away peacefully at home the morning of Sunday, June 14, 2015 surrounded by her immediate family following a long illness.

Born April 2, 1935 in Austinville, IA she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Pearl (Hoppe) Penning. Marge was raised on the family farm in Rock Rapids, IA where she drove the tractor, rode horseback (as all “farm kids” did), and walked two miles to attend the one room country school (an era when it was safe for a young girl to walk on country roads).

Marge graduated from Rock Rapids High School in 1952, completed a two-year teacher education program at Westmar University, Le Mars, IA in 1954, and began her career as a fifth-grade teacher in Estherville, IA. In 1959, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art education from the State University of Iowa, Iowa City.

Many in our community will remember Marge as a 7th grade Art teacher for the South Glens Falls Central School District, where she instructed middle-school students for thirty-seven years beginning in 1959, until her retirement in 1996. She was an innovative and creative educator who never used the same lesson plan twice.

Her professional affiliations and memberships included the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), many Arts educator organizations, and as a charter member of the Glens Falls chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She was a bridge player, cyclist, golfer in the Moreau Senior’s League at T-Bird Country Club and in the Ladies’ League at Bay Meadows Country Club, and an avid bowler with the South Glens Falls Thursday Matinee League.

Family and friends feel blessed to have had Marjorie Fairley (Grandma Marjoreeno - as her grandchildren called her) in their lives. She was a vivacious, considerate, professional woman. She taught her grandchildren how to fold napkins, play cards, wait at the table until dinner partners were finished, and that all meals needed music and ambiance. She was famous for her carrot jello.

In addition to her parents, Marge was predeceased by her brother Clifton A. Penning, and her nephew-in-law Mark Marra.

Survivors include her husband of thirty-three years, Joseph K. Fairley; her step-children Mary Jo Polidore (Chris) of Keller, TX and their four children, Christina, Nicholas, Phillip, and Alexander; Carol Anne Stiglmeier (John) of Palm Beach, FL and their two children, Fairleigh and Jack; Joseph K. Fairley, Jr. (Amy) of Saratoga Springs, NY and their four children, Joseph, Kelsey, Michael, and Meghan; her sister-in-law Luella Penning and her children, Audrey Kracht (Rodney) and Julie Marra, and five grand-nieces and one grand-nephew of Rock Rapids, IA.

Friends may call from 2-4pm on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main Street, South Glens Falls, NY 12803. To leave online condolences or to view Marge’s Book of Memories, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Marge will be going home to Rock Rapids, IA for burial in her family plot.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the many wonderful and kind health care professionals whom Marge looked forward to seeing each day for their comfort, care, and especially for their humor, including Nicole and Barbara who came first, and all the special ladies who followed.

The family would also like to thank all those associated with the following organizations for their help and support during Marge’s illness: Neighbors, NY; Home Health Partners; and St. Peter’s Hospital/St. Peter’s Health Partners, Albany, NY: The Eddy Visiting Nurse Association, The Community Hospice, and especially the ALS Regional Center, and suggest that memorial donations in Marge’s name be made to St. Peter’s Health Partners, 315 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marjorie Carol "Marge" Fairley (Penning), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.