Obituary of Margaret L. Huffmire

MARGARET L. HUFFMIRE Latham- Margaret Louise Conway Huffmire, 86, passed away on Friday October 17, 2008 at our Lady of Mercy Life Center, Guilderland, where she had been a resident for 9 years. She had previously lived on Holly Lane, Latham for 44 years. She was born May 13, 1922 in Mechanicville to Edward Frances and Minnie Louise Eggleston Conway. She graduated in 1940 from Corinth High School. She received a B.A. degree from Syracuse University in 1945, majoring in social studies & education, and received her M.A degree in Social Studies from SUNY Albany in 1953. On January 26, 1946 she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life George Willard Huffmire, Jr. in the Rectory of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Corinth. Margaret resided in Warrensburg at the time where she was teaching social studies in the Warrensburg School District. George was a Sergeant with the Army Air Force. Shortly after their marriage the Air Force transferred the couple to Bremen, Germany. Margaret returned to the states in 1947 to await the birth of their daughter, Pamela Jean, who was born August 21, 1947. George continued to be transferred around the country with the Air Force. Margaret & her daughter remained in Corinth with her parents, teaching social studies at Corinth High School. In 1953 Margaret & her daughter set off on a cross country road trip on Route 66 to live with George at Castle Air Force Base, Atwater California. They enjoyed a wonderful family life California, making many beloved trips to Yosemite National Park. Their time together there was short lived. Tech/Sgt Huffmire was killed along with his entire KC97 crew while on a routine mission from the air base on July 13, 1955. Margaret & her daughter returned to live with her parents, who by then resided in Latham. It was in 1955 that Margaret began her 10 year teaching career at Colonie Central High School. During those years Margaret instilled in her students her love of democracy and the American belief in the principles of freedom. Her spirit was contagious. She was active in Colonie High Schools drama club and was advisor to the business staff. In 1965 Margaret left Colonie Central high School and began at 15 year career at SUNY Albany as an associate professor of social studies advisor to student teachers. Due to health issues she took an early retirement in 1980. Over the years many of Margarets students remained in touch with her, some by visits, and others through correspondence. All of whom have expressed their deep appreciation for what she taught them. Many expressing how they tried to model their lives and own professional careers after her beliefs. While in Latham she was a communicant at Our Lady of Assumption Church where she served on the Religious Education School Board for 2 years and was a member of the Rosary Altar Society. She is also a past member of the Friends of Pruyn House. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, life member of New York State Teachers Association, American Association of Retired Persons, Syracuse University Alumni Association, Corinth High School Alumni Association, and charter member of the Albany County Republican Committee. In 1972 she was listed in Whos Who in American Women. While in California Margaret was treasurer of the Base Catholic Womens Club, assistant coordinator of the Dependents Assistant Program, and a member of the NCO Wives Club. Margaret received a commendation from the Strategic Air Command for her work in the Dependents Assistance Program at Castle Air Force Base. Margaret had a love of books and was a constant reader. She was an avid pinnacle player and enjoyed her easy listening music. She had a penchant for crossword puzzles, especially the ones in the New York Times. She spent many hours embroidering tablecloths and baby quilts for family & friends. Margaret was a most generous and loving woman. She went with out many things for herself so she could give to others. Her joy was seeing a smile on someones face. She always did a lot with a little. Margaret just didnt know how to stop giving. She was a living Giving Tree. Margaret was a devote Catholic and believed very strongly in the intercession of the Infant of Prague. If any one was in need she would always say, Ill say a prayer to my Infant. Morning prayers and a rosary in her hand were her daily routine and brought her much peace and comfort. Being at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center was by her choice for the great spiritual comfort she found there. Margaret is survived by her daughter, Pamela Austin, Amsterdam, formerly of Latham, her beloved & cherished grand daughters, Jennifer Austin, Reading, MA. and Christine (Matthew) Ochsner, Clifton Park, her precious great grandson, Noah Ochsner and her brother, Edward Conway (Jean), of Lake George and Vero Beach, FL. She is also survived by her nephews, James Conway (Terri), Voorheesville, and Robert (Jan) & James (Brenda) Anderson, Corinth and her nieces, Peg (Ken) Carter and Donna (Mike) Briner also of Corinth. Besides her husband, Margaret was predeceased by her parents, and her sister, Jean Marie Conway. Her family wishes to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the loving and caring staff of our Lady of Mercy Life Center, especially those on the Rosary Unit. All those at the Center who cared for Margaret over the years, her hairdresser, the activities staff, the kitchen staff, the laundry personnel, the maintenance staff, the many aides and nurses, the religious personnel, her Evercare caregiver, and all the volunteers who visited with her, brought a smile to her face, and attended to her needs will always be appreciated by the family. Special thanks go to The Community Hospice of Albany. They brought a great deal of comfort to Margaret and her family in the last days of her life. The Hospice Team members were the angels sent by God to help Margaret cross over to her eternal life. In lieu of flowers contributions in Margarets name may be made to the Ronald McDonald House 139 South Lake Ave. Albany, NY 12208 or the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Northeastern New York 1 Mustang Dr. Cohoes, NY 12047 . Funeral Services will take place on Tuesday October 21, 2008 at 10:00 am from Our Lady of the Assumption Church where Margarets Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Geoffrey Burke. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Monday from 4-7 pm at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham Interment will take place in St. Marys Cemetery, Corinth. The family has requested no flowers please. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com