Obituary of Margaret Reamer Green

LeRoy - Margaret R. Green, of Nilesville Road, died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday morning, January 24th, 2019 surrounded by her six children.

     Margaret was born on May 5, 1922 in LeRoy, NY to the late Stephen Reamer and Mary (Loksa) Reamer.

     Margaret was the first member of her family to graduate from college. Her optimism and resiliency throughout life were shaped by her experiences growing up on a family farm during The Great Depression. Margaret hitchhiked from LeRoy to Rochester for her interview as a nursing applicant at The University of Rochester School of Nursing. That interview changed her life and earned her a Nursing Scholarship. Upon graduation, Margaret rose to become the youngest Head Nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. She worked for decades at Strong Memorial and her passion for nursing was recognized by everyone who met her. Former colleagues recall her willingness to “go the extra mile”. Averill Harriman, former Governor of New York, appointed Margaret to The New York State Board of Mental Health. Constant themes in her life were family, faith, and education.   

     Margaret was predeceased by her loving husband of 23 years, the late John A. Green. She attended The Inaugural Ball of President John F. Kennedy in Washington, D.C on January 20th, 1961, alongside her late husband who served as The Democratic Chairman of Genesee County. Margaret and her late husband were also instrumental in the opening of Genesee Community College in 1966. Margaret, worked tirelessly to rally voter support for Democratic candidates and served as an election poll clerk in Stafford, NY well into her nineties.

     As a widow, her nursing career allowed her to provide for her six children and inspire them to earn college degrees. In retirement, Margaret continued working as registered nurse for nearly a decade in Saudia Arabia at King Abdul Aziz Military Hospital in Tabuk. While abroad, Margaret was trained in military hospital operations during wartime including treating nerve gas victims.

     Margaret returned to LeRoy just days before the outbreak of the Gulf War in 1990. Retirement kept Margaret busy. She continued to work in volunteer capacities including teaching literacy skills to adults in Genesee County. Margaret also created and then contributed a handmade beanbag toy, that was inspired by her rural childhood, thatwas then acquired by The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY as part of their collection. Margaret played the beanbag toss game with classmates while a student at the one room schoolhouse on Route 5, LeRoy. Her thirst for learning and steadfast mission to help others persisted throughout her life.

     Margaret was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Church in LeRoy. She was also an avid reader who travelled the world. She always expressed her gratitude for the sacrifices made by her parents who modeled the value of hard work and family. 

     Margaret is survived by her six children, four sons-in-law, and her six grandchildren, who were a source of constant joy. A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 26th at St. Peter’s Church, LeRoy.

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Margaret’s memory to Saint Peter’s Church, LeRoy, NY, or to The Genesee Community College Foundation in honor of The Margaret R. Green Scholarship Fund to Benefit Nursing Students In Need of Financial Assistance.