SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Gertrude Shillabeer Marsters, 95, of South New Berlin, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 3, 2012 in Norwich.
Gertrude, the only child of James and Ethel (Swanson) Shillabeer, was born on Jan. 11, 1917 in Binghamton. Most of her life was spent with her father living in her maternal grandparents home in South New Berlin.
She was a 1934 graduate of Norwich High School and an honor student at Cortland Normal where she graduated in 1940. In August 1948, Gertrude finished requirements for a B.S. degree, Cum Laude, from Syracuse University and in August 1961 she was the first woman to be granted an M.A. Degree from Colgate University.
Her entire teaching career was spent at South New Berlin Central School, where she was a full-time teacher for 33 years and later, a part-time teacher for 12 more years. During those years she also directed 20 plays and sponsored 14 prize speaking contests.
Often Gertrude remarked of her connection with the SNB Baptist Church, of which she became a member when she was 12 years old. She served as a deaconess, choir member and Sunday school teacher for many years.
For several years Gertrude was a member of the Chenango Voices. She belonged to the NYS Teachers’ Associations for 33 years, and, at the time of her death, was a member of the Chenango County Retired Teachers Association.
In 1946 at the West Main Street Norwich High School, Gertrude was named “Chenango County Good Neighbor.” At the 1969 SNB Central School Commencement, she was awarded the American Legion Citation of Appreciation. She was appointed a regional judge in the National Council teachers of English Achievement Awards program for 1970. In 1972, she was nominated to appear in the Awards Volume, Leaders of American Secondary Education. At the 1977 Chenango County 4-H Leaders Recognition Banquet, Gertrude was one of four to be honored for effective public service and service to 4-H.
Gertrude also served three terms as Secretary of the Colgate Area English Council and for 11 years with Thelma Clarke, she served as co-chair person for the Annual Cancer Crusade in the South New Berlin Area. She was also a former president of the Monday Evening Musical Club in Norwich and a two-time president of the SNB Fortnightly Study Club.
On Oct. 12, 1985 Gertrude was married to Richard A. Marsters at the SNB Baptist Church. He predeceased her on June 29, 1995.
Gertrude loved South New Berlin, her family and her church.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the South New Berlin Baptist Church with Pastor Barry Davis officiating.
Calling hours will be Thursday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Dakin Funeral Home LP, New Berlin.
Interment will be in the Riverside Cemetery, South New Berlin.
Memorial donations may be made to Chenango SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815 or the First Baptist Church, 3298 State Hwy. 8, South New Berlin, NY 13843.