Marguerite Christine Dickershaid

Rotterdam - Marguerite Christine Dickershaid died peacefully on October 18, 2016 at the age of 98 in Schenectady, NY, with her daughter by her side. Marguerite was born in Amsterdam, NY on December 16, 1917, the daughter of N. Frank “Porky” Hackert and Kathryn E. Hackert, née Turner. A graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy and the Spencer Business School in Schenectady, she worked as a bookkeeper in a supermarket on lower Broadway to help support her family after her father’s death in 1939. Soon after, she met her future husband Frank, and on July 20, 1940, the two were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in a ceremony officiated by Father Schmidt, her uncle. Marguerite worked for the General Electric Company during World War II. After the war, she and Frank co-founded the Frank A. Dickershaid Roofing and Sheet Metal Company, where Marguerite served as secretary, treasurer, and one-woman customer service department, all while raising three children and keeping the home fires burning. Marguerite was the “wind beneath Frank’s wings” as he became actively involved in community service; a silent partner who did the footwork for his endeavors. She remained his loving and devoted wife and caretaker until the end of his life. Marguerite and Frank were happily married for 65 years. Known for her colorful sense of humor and hilarious antics, Marguerite’s parties at the family camp on Mariaville Lake were remembered fondly by those who did not have too much of her “special” punch. She loved music, old movies, (particularly those with Janet Gaynor), cooking, sewing, bowling, and traveling, especially to Florida and Lake Placid, and reading Bob Cudmore’s stories. Marguerite’s parakeet, Alfie, echoed her salty language and her dogs loved being dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. In her later years, she proudly wore a T-Shirt that read, “The Golden Years Are Just A Bunch Of Bull****”. Marguerite was a member of St. Clare’s Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, a Life Member of Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital Auxiliary, a member of the American Theatre Organ Society, and a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church. Marguerite was predeceased by her husband, Frank, in 2006, her brother William in 1995, and an infant son, David. She is survived by her two sons, Richard (Marge) and Thomas, and her daughter Diane Payette (Don), five grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Marion Hackert and Marion DeGraff, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Marguerite appreciated the special attention that she received from her nephew, Frank Hackert, and the entire Hackert Family. She was so thankful for her wonderful neighbors as well. Special thanks to the Ellis Hospital Emergency Room attending physician, staff, and chaplain for the comfort and guidance they provided for the Payette Family. Calling hours will be on Friday, October 21st from 10am to 12pm at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home on Helderberg Ave. in Schenectady, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Albany St. in Schenectady followed by interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital or St. Joseph’s Church.