Margaret "Marge" Geier

Marge was born in 1928 on a farm in Emlenton, Pennsylvania. The daughter of Ruthenian immigrants, Michael Dzamka and Katherine Mitroka, she was one of five siblings: Ann, Mary, Irene, and George—a Navy fighter pilot who was killed during the Korean War. Her childhood was marked by hardship: no electricity, no running water, no heat, and the loss of her mother at the age of 12. Even so, Marge took on adult responsibilities early and still excelled in school. She was proud to be one of the few girls from her rural area to leave a one-room schoolhouse and graduate from high school, completing her studies at just 16.

She left the farm the day after graduation to live with her sister in Pittsburgh, where she found work and later met the love of her life, George Geier (1923–2005). Married for nearly 57 years, Marge and George shared a deep and joyful partnership. Together, they raised a family, ran a small business (Mr. G’s Drive-In in Vandergrift, PA), and worked hard so that their children and grandchildren could have more opportunities than they ever had. Their relationship was one of true devotion and love.

Marge enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, walking miles each day, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. She volunteered for more than 13 years at Sebastian River Medical Center and was known for her generosity—welcoming new neighbors with her famous strawberry pie and homemade bread, which she had been baking since childhood. Those same neighbors and friends returned her kindness, helping her remain independent and cared for in the neighborhood she loved.

She is survived by her daughter, Diane Munson (Wayne), and her son, George Geier (Bobbie); her grandchildren: Erin McGrath (Tory) and their sons, Jackson and Rhys; Jack Munson (Ana); Grete Brisbin (Jeff) and their children, Ellie and Joey; and Nick Geier (Eva) and their children, Caroline and Luke. She is also survived by Sandi Hall, her dear friend and caregiver, whose companionship and nursing helped her to feel safe and loved when she needed it most.

Marge will be remembered for her strength, kindness, generosity, sense of service, love of Christmas music, joyful walks around Sebastian, and her unselfish commitment to family and friends. Her life mattered, she made a difference, and her legacy lives on in all who knew and loved her.