Marguerite E. (Olofson) Pasceri passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2014, surrounded by the family she had loved so much in life. A light has gone from the world that can never be replaced.
Margie was born in Brooklyn, New York on Sep 29th 1936, the daughter of Ewald T. and Mary I Olofson, her family moved at an early age to the remote Buteau Rd. area of Spencer Massachusetts. Growing up on the farm with her sister Patricia, and brother Eddie, she developed a work ethic that would serve her well throughout her life. Her love of reading dates back to these years and many times her mother would catch her with a book while halfheartedly doing her farm chores.
As a young woman she attended Clark University where she met the young man she has now joined. Margie and Greg fell deeply in love, a love that would compound over the years, as they shared a love of books, film, social causes, and liberal politics.
Married in September, 1958 they raised four children; Stephen, John, Gregory, and Marguerite. Margie became an Occupational Therapist, first at the Rehabilitation Center of Worcester County which later became Hahnemann Rehabilitation Center. At Hahnemann she helped form the Head Injury Support Group and worked tirelessly to bring awareness about Sensory Integrative Disorder to her community and field. Over the next 30 plus years Margie touched the lives of thousands of patients, her skill as a therapist only matched by the kindness and encouragement she gave to them. She gave each patient her all- whether in the “ball pit” with a young child or working with men and women recovering from an industrial accident. They knew that for that hour they had her heart and soul.
She loved her family above all else. Her love could not be shaken- whether nursing a sick infant through an illness or standing by a difficult child through their adolescent years, those that she loved knew she would always be there for them. Her love knew no limits, as her children married and had their own children, Margie was an integral part of their lives, babysitting for her daughter and daughter in law as they furthered their education, and giving advice and encouragement every step of the way.
An extraordinary woman with boundless energy and determination, she at one time worked two part time jobs in addition to her full time job. When it was pointed out to her that she had worked seven days a week for close to two years she made little of it saying she only did what had to be done.
In retirement the love that Margie and Greg shared became as autumn leaves, warm and rich in color. The grandchildren grew and blew bubbles with Grandma and played catch with Grandpa. Margie’s gardens bloomed ever more beautifully as she made countless trip to Lowe’s garden department always driven by her somewhat resigned chauffeur, Greg.
In December 2011, Greg left to begin his patient wait. Margie continued on, brightening up the day for all those around her, her passion for books, sensory integration, and her family still vibrant. As the end of her life approached she faced death with the same courage and optimism she faced life, comforting her family and telling them that she had dreamed of going home and she was packing up her cares and woe.
In life Margie’s warm, compassionate, generous and understanding personality was a gift and example to the world. Her passion for books, movies, music and knowledge endowed her with an exceptional ability to touch any life she came in contact with and change that life forever.
Margie will be deeply missed by many, but especially her children Stephen, his wife Teresa and their children, Angela, Matthew, Andrew and Rebecca; John and his wife, Beth; Gregory, his wife Kelly and their children, Dave, Sharon, Gregory and Michael; Marguerite, her husband David and their children, Genevieve, Gabrielle and David.
A memorial service will be held at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester, Friday, November 21, at 3pm.
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