Obituary of Marcia H. Hegeman

Marcia H. Hegeman of Scotia, formerly of Schenectady and Port Washington, NY and State College, PA, died on July 15, 2023 at the age of 101.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 78 years, H. Clinton “Clint” Hegeman of Scotia. She is survived by their children, Lorraine McMahon (Glenville, NY), Marjorie (John) Kasten (Charleston, ME), Janice Altman (Richmond, VA) and Phyllis Hegeman (Nevada City, CA), and by 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Born in Schenectady, NY on December 4, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Earl Gustav and Ada Aldous Herrgesell. She was predeceased by her younger sister, the late Verna Cansdale. Marcia grew up in Scotia, where her father worked at General Electric, and then lived in Elizabeth, NJ from 1933 on. Marcia played the piano for most of her life, chose the hymns and accompanied singers in her church youth group during high school. Later on, her daughters would gather around her at the piano and sing together. She accompanied her children during instrumental competitions.

Marcia earned her Baccalaureate degree, with a biology major, in 1943 from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. She married her college beau on July 10, 1943 in the First Baptist Church of Elizabeth, NJ, six weeks after graduating. She volunteered as a nurse’s aide for the Red Cross during WWII and was always health-minded. After the war, Clint joined his family business (Howard C. Hegeman Agency) in his hometown, and they raised their family in Port Washington, NY.

She was a devoted mother, busy homemaker, and a member of the Garden Club of Port Washington. She enjoyed flower gardening, sewing and gave expert editing guidance on homework and college applications. She was a loyal and active member of PEO (a service sisterhood) across 3 states, serving 2 terms as President in State College.

Clint and Marcia relocated to State College, PA in 1976, where Clint started his own agency, and they remained there until their mid-nineties, enjoying 30+ years of retirement together in Happy Valley. Marcia was a faithful member of the Congregational Church of Manhasset, Faith United Church of Christ in State College, and Christ Community Reformed Church in Clifton Park, NY.  She always welcomed new people to the church and made them feel more comfortable. She was most proud of her 12 years of volunteer service to the Sight Loss Support Group in State College, where she helped a college student, Kay, with her studies, and they became lifelong friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Service at Christ Community Reformed Church, 1010 RT-146, Clifton Park, NY 12065 on Thursday, August 3 at 3 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be made to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, in memory of Marcia H. Hegeman, or to cancer research, such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or another charity of your choosing. Memorial gifts may be made to the Bucknell Fund, payable to Bucknell University and mailed to Bucknell University, Gifts Processing, 301 Market St., Lewisburg, PA 17834 or online at http://www.bucknell.edu/script/Gifts/ in memory of Marcia H. Hegeman.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9, Clifton Park, NY 12065. (518) 371-5454

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