Marianne S. Peterson of Acworth Road, Charlestown died peacefully July 31, 2014 at Sullivan County Health Care with family by her side.  She was 89.

Born September 8, 1924 in Rupperstgrun bei Werdau, Sachsen, Germany, Marianne was the daughter of Felix Max Schumann and Elisabeth (Hahn) Schumann.  She immigrated to the USA in 1928 and was proud of her United States citizenship obtained in 1956.

Marianne is survived by Bob, her husband of 57 years and her daughter, Elizabeth Peterson of Santa Fe, New Mexico, her sister Esther Luther of Acworth and nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother Gerhardt Schumann.

A graduate of the class of 1942 from the Charlestown High School, Marianne moved to New York City to study voice at Carnegie Hall.  A gifted soprano and natural entertainer, she sang in church choirs, concerts, choruses and variety shows, in NYC and later in Charlestown and its environs. In recent years she took immense pleasure signing with the Silvertones, a senior citizens chorus coordinated through the Charlestown Senior Citizen Center.  Marianne was equally comfortable singing hymns or belting out show tunes.

Marianne strongly believed in volunteerism and was deeply committed to making her town and community a better place.  She served as a founding member and President of the Charlestown Women’s Club, President of the Parent Teacher Association, Library Trustee of the Silsby Public Library, and was an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church for 85 years, also serving on the vestry.

Whether selling sausage grinders for church flea markets, carnations for Women’s Supportive Services (now known as Turning Points Network) or singing solos in variety shows in the 1970’s raising money to build the town swimming pool, Marianne brought a Yankee work ethic, dedication and humor to all of her endeavors.

She started her career as a receptionist and switchboard operator at Joy Manufacturing in the 1950’s.  For over 30 years she sold advertising for a variety of local newspapers; The Advisor, the Eagle Times and Our Town.  Marianne also worked as a reporter for the Keene Sentinel.  After retiring from advertising she became Welfare Director for the town of Charlestown at the age of 75 and was committed to serving those in need while balancing fiscal responsibility.  She brought ingenuity and compassion as she developed programs that supported people and the town budget. 

A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Charlestown on September 7, at 2:00 pm with a reception immediately following at the Charlestown Senior Citizens Center.

Burial will be held privately in Pine Crest Cemetery in Charlestown.

The family gives a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sullivan County Health Care and Hospice at Health Care Services for their care and commitment.