NORWICH – Marianne Robertson, 97, formerly of Holiday, Fla., and Chenango Valley Home in Norwich, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 9, 2010 in the Residential Health Care Facility of Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born in Stuttgaart, Germany on Dec. 28, 1912, Marianne was the daughter of Karl and Anna (Illenberger) Merkle. She immigrated to the United States in 1922 and received her schooling in Missouri and Brooklyn. 
On Oct. 5, 1940, in the Methodist Church in Richmond Hill, Marianne married George T. Robertson, who died in 1970. Marianne became a naturalized citizen on Aug. 30, 1943. 
While living in Florida, Marianne volunteered for over 30 years as a classroom and library aide at Anclote Elementary School in New Port Richey, Florida.  She was awarded state wide recognition for her years of service in 1995, RSVP 2001 Outstanding Volunteer from Anclote, and in the 2006-2007 the elementary year book was dedicated to her. The children called her “Miss Marianne” and she loved them. She was happiest working with and talking proudly about her friends, the staff, and other volunteers at school.
Remembered as a quiet individual, Marianne enjoyed reading and knitting, and collecting art objects of pottery and wood. She was a dependable neighbor and loving friend.
Marianne is survived by her two daughters and their husbands, Gail and Jim Sergio of Oxford and Lynn and Richard Busch of Brooklyn; a grandson, Robert H. Benton III and his wife, Stacy and a great grandson, Nicholas Sean Benton, all of Fairview Heights, Ill. Also surviving are two nieces, a nephew, and their families.
It was Marianne’s request that there be no calling hours or funeral services. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Maspeth, Queens.
Persons wishing to make donations in memory of Marianne may send them to the Chenango Valley Home, 24 Canasawacta Street, Norwich, or to the RHCF of Chenango Memorial Hospital.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.