In Memoriam
Margaret J. D. Yerdon, 93
April 22, 1928 – January 18, 2022
Harris is rejoicing because he has Margaret to dance with again, while her family here is left feeling the loss. Margaret Jane Dubben Yerdon was reunited with Harris on January 18, 2022 at the age of 93, when she passed away at the home of her daughter. Margaret was born, the first of four daughters to the late George and Dorothy (Green) Dubben on April 22, 1928 in Cooperstown, NY. She was raised on the family farm in Middlefield. She first attended school in the Middlefield School House and graduated from Cherry Valley Central School, Class of 1946. Following graduation Margaret attend Oneonta Teachers College and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1950. On January 27, 1952 she married Harris, at the First Presbyterian Church in Cherry Valley. Margaret retired in 1997 from Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School after teaching (Elementary and Remedial Reading) for 45 years where she was involved with student teachers, the Cherry Valley-Springfield School merger study in 1985, served as the CV-S Elementary Coordinator, and PARP Coordinator. For many years Margaret sold tickets at basketball games on Tuesday and Friday nights. Following her retirement Margaret continued to enjoy social events, her grandchildren’s events and gardening at her home . Her flower and vegetable gardens received much attention and garden produce was properly preserved. Her pickles were the best.
Those who were in Cherry Valley on Halloween will always remember the Main Street Witch, which Margaret enjoyed playing for 50+ years. Generations always made a point to stop in at her house to see Mrs. Yerdon.
Margaret and Harris, believed in community and the value of volunteering. During the 70 years Margaret lived in the Cherry Valley Community, she faithfully served many organizations including the following: presently a member and board member of the Cherry Valley Museum, charter member and member of the Cherry Valley Fire Department Auxiliary, active member of the First Presbyterian Church (joined on April 9, 1964) where she served as an elder (ordained January 23, 1977) for 12 years and Sunday School Teacher, advisor to the Cherry Valley/Cherry Valley-Springfield Alumni Association, member of the Cherry Valley-Springfield Retirees, life member of New York State Rebekahs, member of New York State United Teachers, member of the Otsego County Retired Teachers, a 50 year member of the Cherry Valley Rebekah Lodge, a 25 year member of Delta Kappa Gamma and a member of the New York State Draft Horse Association. Margaret and Harris enjoyed many Draft Horse events and area parades with their horses June, Josh and Jeannie. She was honored in 1990 and 2018 as Otsego County Firemen’s Auxiliary Member of the Year, in 2001 as Grand Marshall of the Cherry Valley parade and recently was honored with a new CV/CVS Alumni Award – The Margaret Yerdon Reading Award.
Margaret was most proud of her children: daughter, Janet (Keith) McCarty of East Springfield and son, Rodney (Donna) Yerdon of Middlefield and the proud Grandmother of Molli Jane McCarty and Ryan Keith McCarty. Family and friends were very important to Margaret, she is also survived by a sister Flora Polulech of Hartwick, special nephews: Jim (Althea) Madison of Methuen, MA and Steve (Adrienne) Madison of Cobleskill in addition to many other Dubben and Yerdon nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends of all ages. She was predeceased by her parents, George (August 27, 1984 ) and Dorothy (March 11, 1991), by her loving husband Harris Yerdon on July 15, 2002, sisters Mabel Graham on April 2, 2019, Florence Kinch on March 9, 2009 and special niece Debbie Madison Deyo on May 2, 1986, and also along with all of her sisters and brothers-in-laws. Family was important to Margaret, she never missed a chance to see them or attend a family reunion.
Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 pm and 6-9 pm Monday, January 24, at Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, January 25, at the First Presbyterian Church, Cherry Valley. Due to COVID masks are required both days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 235, Cherry Valley; Cherry Valley Fire Department, PO Box 502, Cherry Valley; or Cherry Valley Fire Department Auxiliary, PO Box 244, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.
To send online condolences visit www.ottmanfuneralhome.com
This lady was the teacher who most impacted my life. She instilled in me my love of reading. I cherish my memories of her reading to us in 5th grade every afternoon . I especially rember the book series Little House on the Prairie and Charlottes Web. I am so greatful she touched my life. Great lady who will be remembered for her kindness, honestly,and caring. RIP Mrs. Yerdon you will be remembered always. My prayers to her family at this time of sorrow
Keith, We want to send our condolences to you in the loss of your mother. Jay and Kathy Bernhardt
So sorry for your
Janet and family I am so sorry for your loss,she was a very nice lady,andwill be missed.
What a wonderful lady.. next to my mom she was the most important and loved women in my life as a child.. I was blessed to be in her class both 5&6 grades.. 5 yrs ago got to take her to lunch just as sharp as ever.. she so deserves the reading award that the alumni set up.. you will be oh so missed. RIP
Margaret was a special lady,teacher and community member . When I came to Cherry Valley in 1972 to teach science she and her fellow reading teachers made the school a special place. She showed by her teaching what the students needed and how to reach their needs I learned so much from her, Mrs Ferrone,Mrs .Hayes. They welcomed all of us rookies with community warmth,lots of fun at school and in the community. Rest in piece ,enjoy all the fine folks in heaven ,keep the party going,bring smiles out !!
Rodney, so sorry for your loss. She was a very special lady who nurtured so many of the children she had in her care. Will be greatly missed.
I remember in 6th grade, Mrs. Yerdon read Caddie Woodlawn to us every day. I looked forward to that so much as a kid. She prodded me to get better grades. Such a nice lady.
So sorry for your loss enjoyed volunteering in PARP with her many great memories
I knew Margaret through my sisters. Char, Dot, Kim. She was a great person in the community. Very kind and loving . She will be missed. RIP Margaret
Margaret was one very special lady. She was kind and loving and always found the best in others. And she showed that appreciation. She was a true friend who will be missed by many. Condolences to Mrs Yerdon’s family.