OSWEGO, NY – Margaret J. DeLapp, 80, a resident of Hillside Avenue in Oswego, passed away Wednesday January 1, 2014, at St. Luke’s Health Services.
Mrs. DeLapp was born in Oswego, the daughter of the late Frederick E. and Ruth L. (Clarke) Scharf. She was a lifelong resident of Oswego.
In her youth, Margaret was a Brownie at First Methodist Church and a Girl Scout under direction of Gertrude Manor and Nana Russell at Christ Church.
She was a member of the Girls Friendly Society of Christ Church where her grandmother, Margaret Clarke, was also a member.
In addition, Margaret was a member of the Christ Church Youth Fellowship under Rev. Frederick Kates.
That youth group visited neighboring Episcopal Churches on Sunday evenings for fellowship and a church service.
Many lifelong friendships were formed here.
After high school, she worked as a secretary at John A. Gravely’s Confectionary store.
When that business closed she worked in the office at Sealright doing numerous jobs.
In February1954, she entered Oswego State graduating in 1958 with her Elementary Education degree.
She was a member of Arethusa Sorority.
Margaret began her teaching career at Kingsford Park School in 1957, where she taught first grade.
In November of that same year she married her husband William L. DeLapp, whom she had known since the age of 9.
She also taught at Fairley School and Cayuga School, both in Hannibal, before returning to Oswego, where she taught for 25 years at Leighton Elementary School.
She enjoyed teaching children throughout her life and retired in 1988.
Margaret was a member of the Port City Chapter of the Red Hats, New York State United Teachers, and Auxiliary member of the Elks, Moose, American Legion and Oswego Hospital.
In earlier years she sang in the choir at Christ Church, wrote plays for her classes and bowled in both women’s and mixed leagues in Oswego.
She took particular pleasure in writing poetry.
Margaret is survived by her husband of 56 years, William L. DeLapp of Oswego; three sons, William (Cindy) DeLapp of Oswego, Jay DeLapp of Jamesville and John (Theresa) DeLapp of Oswego; a daughter, Cherie (Jon) Brandhorst of Bellvue, Colorado; two brothers, John A. (Genie) Scharf of West Islip and Frederick E. (Vera) Scharf of Hudson Florida; and eight grandchildren, Jaime, Jessica, Rachel, William, Noelle, John, Casey and Sydney; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, at the Church of the Resurrection, 120 W. Fifth St., in Oswego.
Calling hours will be held from 2 – 5 p.m. Sunday, at the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, 112 E. Second St., Oswego.
Contributions can be made in Margaret’s name to St. Luke’s Health Services, 299 East River Road, Oswego, NY 13126.
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So sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. I did not know her for very long. I only knew her and her husband by being a customer at Port City Diner (which is now closed) she was a bright light when she came into the Diner. She seemed so nice, friendly and caring. Her husband William and family have my sincerest sympathy. She will not be forgotten.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Mrs. DeLapp was my first grade teacher at Leighton and I will always remember her kindness and caring for her students. She was a great woman and a great member of the Oswego community. Mrs. DeLapp you will be missed.
What a Great & Beautiful Lady!