Marie Elizabeth Olmsted

Marie graced this world with an undying love for life and family. She was kind, generous, and had a soul full of laughter with a beautiful smile. She fought a courageous battle with memory loss teaching us all how to survive with adversity.
Marie passed away on Oct. 14 with family at her side.
Marie was born on January 27, 1924 in Buffalo NY, to the late Mary and Raymond Schmidt. She graduated from Fosdick-Mastin high school. Upon graduation she worked in the accounting department at Hens and Kelly in Buffalo. She met W. Dale Olmsted from Virgil who was working at Curtis Wright in Niagara Falls just before WWII. They married on Feb. 18 1943, and moved to Virgil, N.Y. after the war ended.
Marie spent 66 years living in Virgil. She worked at Ames Chevrolet in the mid 60's as a cashier. In 1967, she obtained a civil service position at the Cortland court house, a job she truly loved. She worked for Judge Shay, Judge Avery, and Judge Mullen during her 20 years of employment . She was appointed chief clerk of the surrogate court in 1982, and officially retired in 1987. Upon retirement, she decided to become a court attendant, and worked for Judge Rumsey in the county court until 1999.
She loved knitting, sewing and working in her flower garden. But her biggest passion in life was all of her family. She loved everyone and always cherished the times she had with all of them.
Later years Marie enjoyed assisted living at the Brewster house and Walden Place. She recently resided at the Cortland Regional Nursing facility Cedar Run. All who knew Marie loved her laughter, smile, patience and kindness. The family wishes to acknowledge and extend their sincere thanks to all of the staff and caretakers of Marie for the past 10 years for making her last years comfortable and loving. A warm sincere thanks also to the caring community of Hospice.
She is survived by 4 children, Dale (Barbara) of Walpole, MA, Terry of Albany, Bill and Kathy of Cortland Also survive her are 9 Grandchildren, Scott, Karen, David, Kristen, Shawn, Christie, Tara, Billy, Jimmy, and 13 great grandchildren. She is survived by 9 nieces and 1 nephew. Marie is also survived by many, special friends, including Lori MeGivern whom Marie thought of as a daughter. Brother Richard Schmidt , and sister-in-law Carol Warren also survive her.
Marie was predeceased by her husband W. Dale Olmsted, daughter-in-law Kathleen A. Olmsted, brothers George, Eugene, and sister Eleanor Bealer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish, make a donation to the Virgil Fire Dept,1195 West State Rd., Cortland, NY, Hospicare 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, NY, 13045 or a charity of one's choice.
Join us for a memorial celebration of Marie's life at noon on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main St., Dryden, N.Y We will be welcoming family and friends prior to the service at 11 a.m. for a calling hour at the funeral home.