Marjorie Carpenter

Margie (aka Marge) was born in Omaha, NE to Allen and Margaret Mills. She spent all of her childhood in Collingswood, NJ. Margie graduated from Collingswood High School and received her BA from Gettysburg College (PA) and MA from SUNY Cortland (NY).

Margie met the love of her life, Mike, at the Traveler’s Insurance Company in Hartford, CT. A month after they met, Mike surprised her at the Hartford train station with flowers, and Margie knew he was “the one.” Just before her death, Margie told her girls that “Dad is waiting for me at the train station.” They had 63 wonderful years together, living in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, New York, Connecticut, Virginia and Pennsylvania. After Margie’s retirement from the University of Connecticut Dental School, they became owners of a bed and breakfast in Onancock, VA and lived there for 15 years. They spent the past 10+ years enjoying life at Willow Valley Retirement Communities near Lancaster, PA.

Margie will be remembered for her dedication to her family, friends and faith. She was an ordained elder, deacon and Stephen minister in the Presbyterian Church. Margie was an avid seamstress, knitter and quilter. She loved the South Jersey shore, Jersey tomatoes and corn, peach ice cream (actually all ice cream), bridge, reading, naps, gin and tonics and Blue Moon, going to lunch with friends, and gardening. Margie was a dedicated UConn women’s and men’s basketball team supporter and enjoyed watching Penn State football, the Phillies, American Ninja Warrior and golf tournaments. She was known for her extensive wardrobe, her dedication to sending cards for all occasions, and keeping in contact with all her friends from high school, college and beyond. Margie’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Margie is survived by her two daughters, Patty (Rob) Chamberlain of Alexandria VA and Sharon (Jim) Masucci of Ballwin, MO. She had five grandchildren whom she cherished and loved having visited her: Katie (Chris) Marshall, Matt (Maddy) Masucci, Caroline Chamberlain, Maggie Chamberlain and Grant Chamberlain. The kids all have a love for the beach from their summer visits to Nana and Grandpa’s in Onancock! Margie was also the very proud great grandmother of JP and Tommy Marshall and Cecilia Masucci.

The family wishes to especially thank all of the staff at Willow Valley. Your care and love shown to our parents from the time they arrived in 2012 through all the medical attention that they received in their final years is a testament to your dedication to your residents.

A celebration of life for both Margie and Mike (6/16//37 - 4/21/23) will be held on Saturday, July 19th at 3:00 pm at the Lakes Auditorium in the Willow Valley Community, 300 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Eastern Shore Habitat for Humanity, an organization important to Margie and Mike. Donations can be made online at www.easternshorehabitat.org or to ESVA Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1299, Exmore. VA 23350.