argery H. Donovan, 90, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2024 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Margery was born July 12, 1934 to Geoffrey and Virginia Hazard of Kirkwood, Missouri. She held degrees from both Mount Holyoke College and George Washington University. Margery is survived by John, her husband of 68 years, her son Michael and his wife Carol of Virginia Beach, granddaughter Amalia Schwee and her husband Stephen and sister Cecily Hazard Zerega. She was predeceased by her two loving brothers – Geoffrey and James Hazard. Margery met her husband and life long love John during her years at Mount Holyoke. They were married in 1956 and embarked on the life of a Marine Corps officers family for the next 30 years. Margery was a teacher and educator for all of her working life teaching both in Fairfax County Virginia and at the American School in Beirut, Lebanon. Following Johnâs retirement from the Marine Corps they both worked and taught together at St. Marks School in Dallas, Texas. Working in the classroom was her vocation and her passion. She loved to measure the progress of her students through each school year and to watch them continue to grow. Following their retirement from St. Markâs School, they made the 27 acre farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania their next home. Margery and John restored the Civil War era stone house with the help of longtime friends Lisa and Mark Domiteaux. An avid gardener, Margery planted fruit trees, flowers, and vegetable gardens. Maintaining them became a constant work in progress – especially for John. Margery was a fabulous cook and her sour cherry pies were legendary. The Gettysburg farm was the focal point for many family and holiday gatherings. With its proximity to Mike and Carolâs home in Vienna, Virginia she and John were able to regularly participate in the life of their beloved granddaughter Amalia. Margery made the farm a welcoming place for friends and family from all the various chapters of their lives. They traveled extensively during these years including, in sections over a five year span, a complete retracing of the Voyage of Lewis & Clark. Margery lived out her Christian faith through acts of service. She was an accomplished seamstress and used her sewing, knitting and needlework skills to bless her family, friends, students and her wider community. She made baby blankets and needlepoint pillows to commemorate events, locations and special memories. She was responsible for stellar Halloween costumes as well. These costumes included Joan of Arc, complete with chainmail tunic, and a replica of Beauty and the Beast heroine Belleâs yellow gown. She also was dedicated to creating Hospice Bears for the Adams County chapter and to serving on the Board of Trustees (and volunteering) at the Gettysburg YWCA. Finding opportunities to support others brought her great joy. When the farm became too much to manage, Margery and John lived for many happy years at the Lutheran Village in Gettysburg. Their home offered a wonderful view of the Gettysburg High School campus – which seemed an appropriate setting for two people so dedicated to education. For the last six years they have lived at the Atlantic Shores retirement community in Virginia Beach. They have been supported by wonderful and kind caregivers and their quality of life was outstanding as a consequence. Margery will be laid to rest in a private service at Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg on September 14, 2024. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her name to the YWCA of Gettysburg would be
This obituary was originally published here.
