On June 25, 2019, Marie J. Wiersum passed away at Vassar Brothers Medical Center of Poughkeepsie, NY. She was 95 years old.
Born January 23, 1924, in New Paltz, she was the daughter of the late George and Elsie (Dubois) Jenkins. She was a lifelong resident of New Paltz and a descendent of the original Huguenot New Paltz family though her DuBois lineage. She was an active member of the Huguenot and Dubois family associations in support of the associations and Huguenot Street.
After graduating from Hope College in Holland Michigan with a BA in English and then a BA in Children’s Library Science at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio, she attained her Master’s Degree in Library Science at SUNY in Albany, New York. Marie worked at the Elting Memorial Library, as Children’s Librarian, in New Paltz until her retirement. Her children’s hour book reading and book displays were enthusiastically attended and highly praised. Prior to Elting Memorial, Marie worked at the Gracious Gourmet, the Yarn Barn, Ariel Booksellers and Port Ewen Nursey School as head teacher for a new school
She was an avid reader and especially liked mysteries and British history. Marie was an expert knitter and made sweaters and socks for her family, friends and local charities. She was fond of gardening and grew vegetables and flowers. She loved to cook and was inspired to try new recipes through her experience at the Gracious Gourmet, much to the chagrin of her three children who appreciated her efforts. Most dear to her heart was her love for furry friends (i.e. cats), who provided love and companionship throughout their mutual lives.
She is survived by her children, Pamela Smith and her husband, Clifford of Washington, DC and Virginia, Schuyler Wiersum and his wife, Cindy of Oregon and Derek Wiersum and his wife, Bunny of New Paltz, NY; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
There will be a memorial service at the Dutch Reformed Church in New Paltz on July 12, followed by a private family burial at the New Paltz Rural Cemetery. Donations to the Elting Memorial Library in Marie’s name would be appreciated.
Copeland Funeral Home is honored to assist Marie’s family with the arrangements.
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