Obituary of Margaret Adeline Shunk

Margaret Adeline Shunk (née Raymo) was born in Ann Arbor Michigan in 1928, and was raised in Massena New York, the daughter of Flora and Vincent Raymo of Browning Crossroads. She has passed into the arms of God on July 6, 2022. She is survived by her sister Betty Ann Sweeney of Massena, and brother Dawson Raymo of Canandaigua, by all six of her children, and grandchildren: Charles Shunk of Reno NV; Marcia Wisehoon of Palmetto FL (son Vincent); Mary DuFour (husband Dan and daughters Amber and Rachael of Baldwinsville, NY; Ellen Shunk of Candor, NY (daughters Austin Cummings and JoLene Whittaker – whose twins are the two great grandchildren), Joseph Shunk (wife Trisha Christian; son Devin Shunk, daughter Natalie Desiderati, and daughter Elena Christian); and Julie Bertoldi (life partner George Harrison and children Amanda and George Harrison, Jr.) of Baltimore, MD. Predeceased are her brothers Douglas and Patrick, and sister Anet Reed.

Margaret was a stellar student at A. Barton Hepburn School of Nursing in Ogdensburg, NY, graduating in 1948. Upon graduation, she was engaged to the WWII veteran Charles Dana Shunk of Ogdensburg, NY. After a long and devoted marriage, Charles passed in 2009, long after successfully raising their six children (a number she predicted and announced to her husband's surprise as he carried her over the threshold of their first house). From the beginning to the very end, her family was at the heart of her deepest happiness and gratitude. She was delighted to be able to enjoy seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Margie was an exemplary nurse for most of her life (returning to school for her Nursing Master's degree after her last child was born), working in Massena, Syracuse, and Lowville, in Emergency Room Nursing, Maternity Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, and as Director of Nursing at Lowville General Hospital. A devout Catholic, she and Charles were active in their church families; she held a presidential appointment in the Knights of Columbus Women's Auxiliary for a time; they were also committed to the Christian Family Movement. In retirement, she was recruited by New York State as part of a travelling team of In-Service Training Program Evaluators, a post she particularly enjoyed since spouses were allowed to tag along! She had many joyful recountings of those days. Despite this demanding career, Margie managed – and cherished -- regular camping trips (sometimes in cabins, often in tents, and pop-up and RV trailers) with Charlie and children in tow, throughout the Rideau Canal in Canada, the Thousand Islands Region, Finger Lakes, Adirondack Mountains, Cape Vincent on Lake Ontario, and countless state and county parks. She enjoyed swimming in summer, and, at her eldest son's initiative, took up skiing at the tender age of 40!! There were a few valiant attempts to match the humorous wit of her husband, but she much preferred to soak in the laughter of the ever-present corny jokestering at the dinner table.

She had brilliantly married an excellent cook, and in their second retirement, they made the world-famous "Charlie's Gourmet Fruitcake" from a commercial kitchen in Newark, NY, selling them at craft fairs around New York State. Customers mailed them off to their families, and Margie and Charlie and received letters from around the world attesting to their excellence. She and Charlie also travelled across the United States visiting National Parks. She was the primary caregiver for her beloved Charlie during his last years, a challenge she faced undaunted and with great grace and faith. Even at her last residence, she was regularly visited by her neighbors for medical advice, even if it was only for a bandage or ointment. Her careful, friendly, and affectionate attention to her nursing duties were deeply appreciated and brought her many friends and ardent admirers throughout her life.

Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at St. Augustine's Church, 7333 O'Brien Rd., Baldwinsville, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30, followed by mass.