Marjorie G. Haffer

1941 - 2024

Marjorie G. Haffer

Amherst, MA - "Dial up the magic in life anytime" – Joanna Macy. Marjorie "Margie" Gail Haffer of Amherst MA and formerly of Waban MA, affectionately known as "Auntie Margie" to many, passed away peacefully on March 7th after a brief illness. Margie lived for the day and in the moment. She was a dear sister to Nancy August of South Deerfield MA, a loving Auntie to Sara (Nathan) Katz of Intervale NH, Michele (Michael) Marotta of Natick MA, and Nathaniel (Melissa) August of Hopkinton MA, and adored by her great nieces and nephews Hayden, Kendal, Andy, Chanah, Camryn, Lilly, Jonah, and Ryland, and extended family and friends.

Margie lived in many places across the country from California to Colorado and even Alaska, but Massachusetts was her true home from her time living in Waban, to her later years in Amherst. Though Margie was a private person, wherever she was she made community. She enjoyed seeing her friends at the bank and dry cleaner, the local Trader Joe's, nail salon, Barnes & Noble and her favorite Chinese restaurant. She will be remembered by many as the lady who walked at very early hours, for her friendly hellos and hugs, easy laugh, incredible organization and decluttering skills (before Marie Kondo, there was Margie Haffer!), amazing clothes and unique jewelry, and matching handbags, sneakers and socks. Her most proud moments, aside from delighting in the many pursuits of her nieces and nephew, their spouses and kids, was in the classroom and library, teaching children to read.

Margie graduated from Boston University with a B.S in Education in 1962 and spent years working in administrative roles in various industries from law to medicine to retail. She returned to Lesley College and in 1996 she obtained her Master's in Education, Creative Arts in Learning. Margie spent many of her more recent years as a guest teacher (her special title!) at various local elementary schools, and as a reading specialist at Deerfield Elementary School(DES), where she enjoyed working with students on literacy skills and helping them develop a love of reading. She also spent countless hours organizing the library with her dear friend, Bette Schmitt, making creative bulletin boards to celebrate literary figures and holidays, and coordinating school community cultural celebrations with the teaching, administrative and support teams at DES, who became some of her closest friends. Margie enjoyed the sun and the beach, Italy (Pesaro in particular, and anything Italian from leather bags and shoes, to fine clothing), opera, fashion (and later in life athleisure wear of all kinds), drawing, fitness, and a fun game of Scrabble! She dearly loved her sister Nancy, who she called "Sister" – Nancy's cooking, spending Sundays engaged in competitive word games (Margie always won!), trips to Tanglewood to the symphony and local shows at the UMASS Fine Arts Center, gifting unique items to her friends and loved ones, and shopping at her favorite boutiques.

Margie was predeceased by her beloved parents, Selma and Harry Haffer, and her brother-in-law, Robert (Bob) August. Margie's family wishes to thank the loving team at the Arbors of Amherst and Cooley Dickinson Hospice of Northampton for their care for Margie in her final months. The family will be having a private remembrance for Margie. If you wish to honor Margie's zest for life and passions, consider making a donation to your favorite local library or community book box! Donations are also gratefully accepted to Cancer Connection, 41 Locust Street, Northampton, MA 01060 and to SPARK Kindness, PO Box 823 Natick, MA 01760. Please think of Margie fondly as you pick up a new book, read to a child, or feel the summer sun on your face. She would delight in your joy in those small, precious moments.