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BORN
1933
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Marguerita Applebee Obituary
Marguerita "Rita" Applebee passed peacefully at home in Port Byron, with her family at her side on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
Born in 1933 outside of London, England, as a young girl during World War II, she and her family moved to Dersingham in Norfolk England. It was here that she met her husband, Former U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Harry Applebee. They were married for 43 years before he predeceased her in April of 2000. Rita embraced the life of a military wife moving from England to California, Hawaii, Maryland, Long Island and finally settling in Port Byron in 1970. Although she quickly became part of the village, she was always proud to be from England and loved her daily cup of tea and her Friday fish and chips. She was employed several years in the Port Byron School District serving meals to the children of the district. It was here that she made friends that lasted her a lifetime.
She gave back to the community in several ways. She volunteered as a leader in the Girl Scouts of America and over the years she knitted hundreds of prayer shawls and blankets that were donated to local hospitals and churches. She was an active member of the Port Byron Senior Citizens. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, baking (cake decorating), card making, cross-stitch, quilting, word puzzles, as well as watching tennis, golf, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
More than anything, she loved spending time with her family and will be dearly missed.
Devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she leaves behind her son, Richard (Eileen) Applebee; daughter, Jo-Anna (Danny) Wilson; grandsons, John (Fiancé Michele) Applebee and Paul (Kathy) Applebee; and great-grandson, Brodrick Applebee. She also leaves behind her family in England; brother, Donald (Bing) Southgate; nephews, Robert Southgate and Jonathan Southgate and niece, Julie-Ann Southgate.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her mother, Alice Southgate; brother, Bob Southgate; several brother and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Rita wanted us to acknowledge all the friends that gave her a ride. She never drove, and because of your kindness, you opened her life to friends and a community that enriched her life. She was and we are so grateful.
Special thanks to Bonnie Warrick, Toni Smart, Kim Fey, Misti and Gracee White, and the Hospice team that cared for her.
Calling hours will be conducted this Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the White Chapel Funeral Home, 2719 Erie Drive, Weedsport. A funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. in the funeral home.
Contributions may be made in memory of Rita to the Port Byron Senior Citizens: 52 Utica Street (PO Box 398), Port Byron, N.Y. 13140.
To offer condolences, please visit whitechapelfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marguerita Applebee
Sponsored by White Chapel Funeral Home - Weedsport.
4 Entries
Bonita Warrick
February 7, 2025
Rich, Eileen, and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear mother. She was such a lovely lady and a wonderful friend. I will never forget the good times we shared when she came into my shop and our phone conversations about Downton Abby. She will be missed by so many. Praying for God to give you comfort and strength and that the memories of your mom and grandmother will become more sweeter in time.
Josephine Falsey
February 7, 2025
My sincere condolences to Rita's family. I've known Rita for many years and always enjoyed her company. We enjoyed seeing her at our Senior Meetings, always with a smile on her face. She will be missed by many. Rest in peace dear friend.
Laurie Dymock
February 7, 2025
Sorry to hear about your loss
Honey Kalar Colella
February 6, 2025
Dear Rich, Eileen and family. Our condolences on the loss of your mother. May she find peace and more happiness on her next journey. Honey and Joey Colella.
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White Chapel Funeral Home - Weedsport2719 Erie Drive, Weedsport, NY 13166
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