TROY- Margaret J. Story, beloved sister, aunt, and dear friend, passed away on December 12, 2024 at Van Rensselaer Manor in Troy, NY.
Born on September 1, 1941 in Fort Edward NY, she was the daughter of Frederick H. Story and I. Eilleen (McDougall) Story. Margaret graduated as valedictorian of the Hartford Central School class of 1959. She graduated from Cornell University in 1963.
Margaret had a long career with Cornell Cooperative Extension in Rensselaer County, where she made lasting friendships and worked with youth and adult volunteers through the 4-H program. She later worked for the Commission on Economic Opportunity in Troy, NY. Throughout her career and during her retirement, Margaret had a deep commitment to community service. She held leadership and volunteer positions in several community and professional organizations. Among these were the Rensselaer County Historical Society where she served as a member of the Board of Trustees including three years as president. She also volunteered extensively for Vanderheyden Hall and the League of Women Voters.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Thomas Story and three brothers who died in infancy. She is survived by her sisters, Joyce LaPoint (David), Gayle Smith (Robert); sister-in-law Deborah; step siblings, Gary Wilson (Emmy) and Linda Bergman (Robert); nieces and nephews, Kari, Jeffrey, Kimberly, Scott, Elizabeth, Adam, and Todd; aunt, Barbara Newton; and many cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was blessed with rich friendships, counting her cherished friends as family.
Margaret was an accomplished quilter, completing beautiful projects for family and friends and teaching others to quilt as well. She also loved to read and garden. For thirty-five years, she was a member of the Moordenier Antique Study Group. In recent years, Margaret could often be found enjoying food and companionship at the Alexis Diner. She enthusiastically attended and helped to plan annual gatherings for her high school graduating class. Margaret loved her grandnieces and nephews and enjoyed spending time with them and keeping up with their adventures near and far. She was also a lifelong cat lover and cherished the companionship of her beloved cats.
Friends may call from 4:00 PM to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hart Cluett Museum in Troy in January (date to be announced).
Friends and family who wish to do so are encouraged to honor Margaret’s memory with a memorial donation to the Rensselaer County Historical Society (57 Second St., Troy, NY, 12180) or a charity of their own choosing.