Margaret L. Dilgard

Margaret L. (Stratton) Dilgard

99, of Penn Yan, NY passed away peacefully at The Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home on Friday, January 26, 2024. 

Predeceased by her loving husband, Melvin “Pic” Dilgard in 1987, her brothers Floyd Stratton and Donald Stratton and her parents. She is survived by her daughters, Terry (Phil) Patchett of Horseheads, Kim (Timothy) Hansen of Penn Yan, and son, Gerald (Linda) Dilgard of Newark. Also surviving are her 5 grandchildren, Holly Patchett (Jeff) Horn, Andrea Patchett (Chris) Coggins, Michael Hansen, Silas Hansen, and Craig Dilgard, as well as 2 great-granddaughters, Kelsey and Katelyn Horn.

Born at home at 5 Main St. Penn Yan, the former Stratton’s Restaurant (currently Angel’s), on September 11, 1924, Margaret was the daughter of the late Charles and Hazel Stratton. Margaret was raised along with her brothers working in the family restaurant business. She attended Penn Yan Schools with the class of 1943. Margaret met her husband, Melvin “Pic” Dilgard on a blind date and they were married in August of 1943. When Pic enlisted in the US Navy, Margaret followed him to his original stationing at Staten Island for a year prior to his being deployed to the South Pacific. Following the war, the couple settled in Penn Yan permanently.

Margaret held many different jobs during a long and happy life, including telephone operator, store clerk, receptionist and finally retiring as a PYCSD school bus driver. In her later years, Margaret enjoyed volunteering with Food for the Needy, the Backpack Program, and My Brother’s Keeper Quilting group. She also volunteered in several Penn Yan Elementary classrooms for several years, Dundee Head Start and at the First Presbyterian Church where she also served as a deacon.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church of Penn Yan from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, followed by funeral services at 12:00 noon with Pastor Paul Malles officiating. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations may be directed to the Humane Society of Yates County or The First Presbyterian Church of Penn Yan. 

Arrangements entrusted to Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan. The address for each charity is listed in the obituary at www.weldonfuneralhome.com

MEMORIAL DONATIONS:
HSYC, P.O. Box 12, Penn Yan, NY  14527

PENN YAN FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PO Box 639, Penn Yan, NY 14527