Berens, Margaret Schiavone

Margaret Schiavone Berens of Pittsford, New York, died peacefully at age 91 on April 25, 2018, after a brief illness surrounded by her loving family. “Margi” was predeceased by her husband Donald Berens (1999), as well as her brother-in-law Donald Pangburn and her son-in-law- Thomas Burke.

Margi is survived by her brother George Schiavone (Linda), sister Frances Pangburn, son Donald Berens, Jr. (Maureen Farley), daughters Elizabeth Berens, Mary Berens (Paul Feeny) and Julia Berens (Larry George), as well as her grandchildren Kathleen Bucki (Craig), Thomas Berens, Sean Burke (Jayne), Gregory Burke, Richard Feeny (Mary), Sarah Feeny, Robert George (Erin), Karl George, and Margaret George (Ryan Dunaway) and great-grandchildren Finn, Theo, Colleen, Claire, Anders, and Silas as well as many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Michele Bruinsma who helped Margi maintain her independent lifestyle into her ninety-second year.

Margaret Anne Schiavone was born August 8, 1926, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to teachers George Schiavone and Margaret Flynn Schiavone. In 1947 she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University where she met Don Berens whom she married that year. She was a loyal and active alumna of Cornell for 70 years. Don’s job with Fanny Farmer took them to Boston, metropolitan New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Minnesota; they settled in Rochester in 1962. Margi became the bookkeeper when Don began franchising Fanny Farmer and Hickory Farms of Ohio stores. She volunteered for the Red Cross, played tennis, traveled extensively, and was an enthusiastic Yankees fan. She played bridge from age 8 to 91. Her family and others who knew her well enjoyed her quick wit and intuitive nature. She was proudest of her roles as mother and grandmother.

Calling hours will be Sunday, April 29, from 2:00-5:00 pm at The Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, (Egypt location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road in Fairport. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Monday, April 30 at St. John of Rochester, Wickford Way in Fairport. Burial will immediately follow at White Haven Memorial Park  on Marsh Road in Pittsford. Donations in Margi’s memory may be made to Catholic Family Center, 87 North Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14604; The Flaum Eye Institute, Gift and Donor Records, Box 270032, Rochester, NY 14627-0032; or a charity of your choice.