Marjorie (Maggie) Elitzer of East Greenbush, N.Y., age 103, died on January 12, 2021 after a brief illness. She was her vibrant self, living independently in her home of 70 years until the end. Maggie was born on November 15, 1917 in Bradford, Penn., the daughter of George Wladis and Ida Hesselson Wladis. She grew up in Elmira, N.Y., and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Elmira College in 1939. She taught high school English in Johnstown, N.Y., for two years until she met Hillard Elitzer, the love of her life. Married on June 29, 1941, they had the most loving, happy, devoted marriage until Hillard’s passing in 2002.
After raising her three sons, Maggie went back to teaching as a full-time substitute teacher at Columbia High School in East Greenbush. She was also actively involved in a number of community endeavors, including serving as a tutor and board member of Two Together, an after-school reading program for disadvantaged youth in Albany, working as a children’s advocate for CASA (a family mediation organization), co-founding a cooperative pre-school, and serving on the regional leadership council of the Girl Scouts.
Maggie was brimming with talents and interests. An avid reader, she plowed through a book or two weekly. An accomplished cook and baker, she delighted in serving her family and many guests. A classical music lover, she relished the chamber music concert series to which she subscribed. A dedicated sports fan, she cheered her beloved Yankees, Knicks, and Patriots.
She is survived by her three sons, Chip (Cindy), Pete (Beth) and Mike, six grandchildren, Daniel (Julia), Sam, Jacob (Tiffany Schloesser), Talya (Sarah Weichel), Amy (Adam Grodman), and David, and three great-grandchildren (with another on the way), Adam, Benjamin, and Ariela.
Memorial contributions can be made to Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York,
The Golub Center, 184 Washington Avenue Ext., Albany, NY 12203.
