MARJORIE HITT
NORWICH – Marjorie Bernice Hitt died January 15, 2014 surrounded by her family who loved her completely. Marjorie was the tenth child of Bernard and Nina Burns. She was born July 17, 1921 in Norwich, NY. From a child through adulthood, Marjorie’s brothers and sisters played a major role in her life. They were the models of unity that Marjorie’s own family would emulate.
Marjorie was predeceased by her best friend and husband of sixty-one year: Ford G. Hitt, her son Ford Joe, her parents, mother in-law Maribel(Shelley)Hitt, father in-law George W. Hitt, two daughter in-laws: Robin (Wheeler) Hitt and Cate (Fietzinger) Hitt , all her siblings: Mary (Claude) Crandall, Emmett Burns, Elizabeth (William) Mullens, Helena (George) Steele, Annie (Gorden) Mahar, Mina Burns, Francis(Rose) Burns, Lt Commander Donald (Virginia) (Agnes) Burns. She was also predeceased by all of her husband’s siblings: Gerard (Janet) Hitt, Mildred (Percy) Decker, Bertha (George) Curren, Gladys (Frank) Burdick, Earl(Florence) Hitt, Harriet(Wilbur) Gesell , Evelyn (Francis) Quackenbush.
Marjorie is survived by four sons: Doug and Jim Hitt of Norwich, George(Linda) Hitt of Milton MA. John (Joan) Hitt of Loudonville. Eight daughters: Terry Cunningham of Albany, Lavina (Daniel) Travison of Schenectady, Rosemary (Bill) Friedrich of Berwyn, PA., Jean (Daniel) Harp of Bridgeport, Kathy(Robert) Hitt-Nielsen of Waterford, Sally (Ben) Lauletta of Wynantskill, Mary(Eddie) Berkeley-Hitt of Homer, Donna(Tim) Bates of Windsor and Ford Joe’s widow Donna(Genung) Hitt of Syracuse, UT; 40 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and friends.
Marjorie attended Schoolhouse # 9, a one-room school house near the family farm on Heady’s Corner Rd, Norwich, NY. Her first formal teacher was also her big sister, Mina. Marjorie loved being in school and excelled in English, math, and history. In High School, she participated in intramural field hockey and poetry club. She received a diploma from Norwich High School at the early age of sixteen. She stayed on an extra year at NHS completing professional studies.
In the fall of 1939 Marjorie set out for the city of Albany to attend the College of Saint Rose, an opportunity made possible by a scholarship and her beloved sisters Annie and Mina Burns. Marjorie flourished during her years at St. Rose, and graduated in 1943. She was extremely proud of her alma mater and was delighted that 3 of her children: Terry, Sally and John, and her grandson, Kevin Bates chose the College of St Rose to attain their degrees.
While home in the summer of 1940, Marjorie attended a round dance near Oneonta with her brother Francis. There she met a strikingly handsome man with a wonderful smile, Mr. Ford Hitt. They enjoyed a long courtship. While Marjorie earned a bachelor degree in business, Ford enlisted in the US Army and served in the Pacific during WWII. Marjorie’s professional career included teaching business courses at South Jefferson High School and Sidney High School, and teaching GED Preparation at Norwich High School.
Marjorie and Ford married in Norwich at St. Paul’s Church on June 29, 1946. After honeymooning in Chicago, they purchased a home in Oneonta on Draper Street. They enjoyed being young and were happy to have their lives ahead of them. God blessed Marjorie and Ford with five sons and eight daughters. In 1955, the Hitt family joined Marjorie’s eldest brother Emmett Burns to operate the family dairy farm. Marjorie and Ford, together with their son Jim, played an integral part in establishing J.E. Hitt’s Hay and Straw which has been in business for over 37 years.
As part of her busy family life, she fostered her love of literature. She believed in the power of education and learning. She encouraged her children to do their best work and would help them with their many homework assignments.
Marjorie was always wonderful listener. She gave great comfort and counsel. This was her finest gift. She was someone you could turn to in times of trouble. Friend, spouse, child, or grandchild, Marjorie was the strongest advocate and best advisor.
Marjorie was a devout Catholic, a life-long parishioner of St. Paul’s Church. She was committed to the teachings and traditions of the Church which enriched her family’s life in countless ways. Her children are forever grateful for the rock of faith their mother provided.
The family wishes to thank Debbie Sherman and Karen Crowell for the wonderful home care they gave Marjorie. The family also wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Teresian House in Albany, NY for the loving care they gave Marjorie in her final year.
Calling hours will be held at Fahy’s Funeral Home, 116 North Broad St., Norwich on Sunday, January 19, 2014 from 3 – 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 30 Pleasant St., Norwich on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 10 a.m.
In memory of Marjorie’s love for education, donations may be made to Holy Family School, 17 Prospect Street, Norwich, NY.
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.