Marguerite M. "Marge" York

Marguerite (Marge) York, Sainted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother 

Olean-Marguerite (Marge) Mae York of Olean, passed away Thursday (December 26, 2024) at The Pines of Olean, surrounded by loving family, after a lengthy illness.

Marge was born March 19, 1932, to Harold and Gladys Schoonover Lawson who predeceased her.

Marge resided in Olean most of her life where she was employed by Olean General Hospital for many years. Later in her life, she worked as a “foster grandparent” for over 20 years at Washington West Elementary School. All the students loved her, and she became known as “Grandma York” to all her “foster grandkids.”

She attended Southside Chapel, and loved doing her crossword puzzles, and enjoyed all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Marge adored and loved her children and was the best Mom any of her 4 kids could have asked for. Marge is survived by: Lynda Crabtree, Gail Chernish, Sylvia Hendryx and David (Joni) York whom all survive. 11 grandchildren: Tina (Frank) Kestner, Tommielynn Childs, Eddy (Renae) Sisson, Nan (Todd) Dineen, Calib (Jessica) Chernish, Gary (Amanda) Hendryx Jr., Michael Hendryx, Shawna (Michael) Wardner, Tiffany (Colby) Hitchcock, Stephany (Brandon) Lee and Tommy George York. Marge also had 31 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Nancy (Howard) Rumph, and brother Yancy Lawson; and Harold Spong, former husband and lifelong friend.

Marge was predeceased by; her husbands, Harry “Bud” Ruding, David C York, and  Roy Crabtree, to whom she married in August 2001 in Hinsdale;  her granddaughter Tina Kestner and her great-granddaughter Ashlee White; by 4 sisters, Delores (June), MaryLou, Rachel and Ruth; and a brother, David.

Friends will be received at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean, on Sunday (December 29, 2024) from 3 pm to 5 pm in the funeral home. A funeral service will start at 5 pm in the funeral home, with Rev. Timothy Chase officiating. If unable to attend the service, please join the family for a Celebration of Marge’s Life at The St. Stephens Club in Olean, following the service, 5:30 pm to 7 pm. A light meal will be provided, and great memories and stories will be shared. A private burial will be held in Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

Memorials if desired may be made to the Foster Grandparent Program 410 W. Sullivan St. Olean, NY 14760

Online condolences can be expressed www.guentherfh.com