Margaret H. Carpenter

1922 - 2012

Carpenter, Margaret H.

Margaret Rumsey Habbershaw Carpenter, a life-long resident of Schuyler County, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2012 at Seneca View, the skilled nursing facility of Schuyler Hospital. She was 90. Margaret was born February 24, 1922 in Montour Falls, New York, to Ida (Rumsey) and George Habbershaw. She is survived by her loving daughter, Karen Elizabeth and her cherished granddaughters, Kathryn Scarlett and Kelly Margaret Martin. Margaret was predeceased by her grandparents, Carrie and Samuel Rumsey and Elizabeth and Joseph Habbershaw, Sr.; by her parents Ida and George Habbershaw; by her siblings, Eleanor Rumsey Habbershaw Stamp and Richard Rumsey Habbershaw and, in 1976, by her husband John Jay Carpenter. A graduate of Cook Academy, Montour Falls, New York; Margaret was married on February 27, 1943 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Margaret and John moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where she attended Strayer Business College in Washington, DC while her husband was stationed at Fort Belvoir. When John was sent overseas during World War II, Margaret returned to Montour Falls and resided in Schuyler County for the rest of her life. She entered the workforce on a part-time basis during the 1960's when she became a seasonal sales associate at "Santa's Toyland" which was located on the second floor of Woodward's Hardware Store, now Famous Brands, in Watkins Glen. She later accepted full-time employment and, for many years, served as Deputy County Clerk for Schuyler County until her retirement. Margaret's decision to work full-time enabled her daughter to attend college, and to graduate debt-free, except for a life-long debt of profound gratitude. A perennial learner who enjoyed travel, Margaret made trips to the UK and to Bermuda, joined her daughter on more than a few adventures, and she thoroughly enjoyed attending assorted programs offered by Elderhostel. Margaret volunteered in her community in several ways over the years including service to the Watkins Glen Library, the Schuyler County Board of Elections, as a member of the Schuyler Hospital Women's Auxiliary, Zonta Club, and through perhaps her most favored activity of all, as a "Reading Buddy" at B.C. Cate Elementary School. From an early age, Margaret had a tremendous love of music, be it playing the piano, singing, or listening to live or recorded performances. She also enjoyed reading, knitting and for a time ceramics until, at the age of 68, she became the consummate loving and involved grandmother. A life-long communicant of St. Paul's Episcopal Church prior to its closing, Margaret was active for many years in the choir, on the Women of St. Paul's Altar Guild, and on the Vesty of St. Paul's. Although not able to actively participate during her final years, she remained a member in good standing of The Order of the Eastern Star, Fern Chapter No. 142. A period of quiet reflection for immediate family members will take place at Vedder and Scott Funeral Home in Montour Falls, followed by a service of remembrance and celebration by Reverend Jane Winters at 3:00 PM on August 31, 2012. Interment will follow in the Montour Falls Cemetery. Those who are inclined may honor Margaret with a contribution made to Schuyler Health Foundation, Inc., PO Box 828, Montour Falls, New York, to assist with facility renovations currently being made to Seneca View. Gifts of personal time mindfully spent on behalf of others also are appreciated. To send the family a condolence, please visit

www.vedderandscottfuneralhome.com