Myers, Marian G.

Rhinebeck-Marian G. Myers passed away on Sunday, January, 1, 2012 at the Thompson House in Rhinebeck, NY. She was 97.

She was born on March 27, 1914 on a farm in Independence Township in upstate New York. She was the only daughter of Charles H. and Angie Hill Griffith.

The family moved to Genesee, PA when Marian was six. After grade school, they moved to Wellsville, NY. She then graduated high school as a member of the National Honor Society.

Marian entered Syracuse University School of Fine Arts. After one year, she transferred to Mansfield Pennsylvania State University in the department of Home Economics. While at Mansfield, she was chosen “Harvest Blossom Princess”, and was also President of the Student Council. Marian was active in many campus activities.

After graduating with honors in 1936, she taught for one year. She was then introduced to retailing. Marian had been a buyer at Lord and Taylor in New York City. Also, she worked in wholesaling by managing a show room on Seventh Avenue in New York City. In 1938, she opened her first dress shop in Wellsville, NY. Over the years, Marian owned shops in Greenwich and Old Greenwich, CT.

In 1978 she moved to Rhinebeck, NY and began working for A.L. Stickles Variety Store. Shortly after, she began part-time work at the Elegant Villager. While working there, she bought a gift shop that was to be known as “Marians.” After several great years, a couple of health warnings led her to sell “Marians” in 1994. At that time, Marian returned to the Elegant Villager on a part-time basis.

She was predeceased by a husband, William H. Neal of York, PA. She also spent fourteen years as a friend and companion to Lawrence “Pete” Myers, who passed away in 1980.

Marian is survived by several cousins, and many friends and associates from personal and professional circles.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2011 from 1 to 3 PM at the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market St., Rhinebeck. Funeral services will begin at 3 PM.

Interment will take place on Friday, January 6, 2011 at 12 PM at the Genesee Cemetery in Genesee, PA.

Memorial donations are requested to the NDH Foundation, PO Box 5002, Rhinebeck, NY 12572.