Marie VanKleeck passed away Feb. 27, 2008. She was born March 10, 1923, in Leirvik-Stord, Norway, daughter of Edvard P. and Anna Pedersen Berg. Marie came to this country at a young age and settled in Andes, NY with her family. Marie graduated from Andes Central School. On July 21, 1946 she married Lionel B. VanKleeck at Lake Delaware, Delhi, NY.

Marie worked as a telephone operator in Andes and Walton. She also worked at the Style Shop, and Western Auto and Montgomery Wards as a sales clerk. Marie later worked at Bendix in Sidney. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Walton Home Bureau; Delhi Bird Club; Sons of Norway. Marie was also den mother of Boy Scout Troop #45 and was also 4-H leader for the Walton Workers.

She loved to square dance and belonged to the Walton Swing Along and Putnam Prancers in Brewster. Marie loved skiing with her family and playing cards and games with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Lionel son, Robert VanKleeck and wife, Karen, Chenango Bridge, NY; 2 daughters, Christine, Walton, , Karen VanWert and husband Eric, Vestal, brother, John Berg of New Jersey; sister-in-law Adele Berg, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Monica Martinez and husband Vincente, Bethesda, MD; Jennifer and Michael VanKleeck, Chenango Bridge, great-grandchildren Maximillian and Erik Martinez and many nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, 4 brothers Paul, Edwin, Sverre & Kaare; 3 sisters, Karin, Borghild Huska, and Aasta Liddle, and a grandson, Justin Van Wert.

Marie will be remembered for many things, but some of the special things that the family would like to note are: cooking, birthday dinners, gardening, berry picking, teaching everyone to swim, her love of her home, her flowers, giving advice, holiday traditions, but most especially her love for family and friends. She will be deeply missed by everyone.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Monday, March 2, 2009 from 11AM to 1PM at the First United Methodist Church, 101 North St., Walton, where services will be held at 1 PM with the Rev. Mark Del Giudice, officiating.

Memorial contributions in Marie's memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Walton or Walton EMS.