Marion Terpening was born on February 1, 1923 in Marlboro and was welcomed with love by her parents, Dorothy and Lester Simpson. She had one younger brother named Lester. Marion attended Marlboro Elementary School and graduated from Highland High School. Upon graduation, she began working at the De Laval Separator Company in Poughkeepsie. She worked as a corresponding secretary in the De Laval offices.
In later life, Marion also worked for the Community Action Food Pantry in Highland as a receptionist and secretary. Marion was very active in her community, attending various social events, attending card and square dance parties. At the age of 18, she joined the Odd Fellows and Daughters of Rebekah organization. She remained active in the Rebekah’s until well after her 85th birthday and held many officer positions at both the local and state levels, obtaining the office of NYS Assembly –Outside Guardian.
It was at one of these many events that she met Kenneth Terpening, who she attempted to set up with one of her girlfriends. Kenneth and Marion married on June 17, 1945. Marion, along with Kenneth, was also a member of the Highland Grange farming organization. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and had a strong love of animals.
In May 2019, the First Presbyterian Church of Highland recognized her for her 81 years of membership. Also, of particular note and a great joy to her, on her 90th birthday she received over 150 greeting cards from all over the world congratulating her on that milestone birthday.
Marion is survived by her 3 children, Richard and his wife Barbara, Donald and his wife Barbara, Linda Furey and her husband John, and former son-in-law, Robert Muhlfeld. She also has six wonderful grandchildren: Theresa Terpening, Ronald Terpening, Norine Muhlfeld, Eric Muhlfeld, Ethan Terpening, and Nathaniel Terpening. She also has four beloved great-grandchildren: Kristen, Julie, John, and Keely.
Marion passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Ten Broeck Commons.
Funeral services were held on Monday, October 28th at the First Presbyterian Church, Highland with interment at the Highland Cemetery immediately following the service.