Margaret M. Bollen - June 27, 2016
Mrs. Margaret M. Bollen, 93, formerly of Canal Street, Fort Plain, New York passed away Monday, June 27, 2016, at The Mountain Valley Hospice House, in the company of her loving family. Born on Sept. 17, 1922, in Stone Arabia, N.Y., Margaret was the daughter of Martin Shults and Marie Fonda Shults. She was a graduate of Fort Plain High School, Class of 1940, and was a lifetime area resident. Margaret was a certified nursing assistant at Arkell Hall for 15 years. She also worked as a private duty nurse for many families. In more recent years, Margaret enjoyed working for the Montgomery County Board of Elections. Margaret was a lifelong member of the Fort Plain Reformed Church, sang in the choir and was active in church organizations. She was a proud member of the DAR of Fort Plain and a charter member of the Mohawk Valley Choraliers. Margaret shared her family’s love of local history and was a former trustee of the Fort Plain Museum as well as treasurer of the Friends of the Fort. In recent years, Margaret had to slow down a bit and she became a resident of Arkell Hall. She enjoyed all of the activities, her independence, the food, and loving support of the Arkell staff and residents. On Sept. 25, 1942, Margaret married Elmer Bollen. He preceded her in death on Feb. 15, 2001. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by siblings, Manly Shults, Gertrude Waner, Leonard Shults, and Charles Shults. Margaret is survived by her four sons and their wives: Thomas and Eunice Bollen of Fort Plain, N.Y., Jack and Tammy Bollen of Hudson, N.H., Norman and Irene Bollen of Amsterdam, N.Y. and lastly Daniel and Paula Bollen of Utica, N.Y. Margaret has eight grandchildren: Jolene, Jennifer, Jeffrey, Kyle, Alison, Bianca, Daniel and Brian, as well as three great-grandchildren. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. A service of celebration will be held Saturday, July 2, 2016, at 11 a.m. at The Fort Plain Reformed Church, 165 Canal St., Fort Plain, N.Y., with the Rev. Nancy Ryan officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends an hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center St., Fort Plain, NY 13339. Burial will take place at the Fort Plain Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Margaret may be made to the Fort Plain Reformed Church, 165 Canal St., Fort Plain, NY 13339, or to the Fort Plain Museum, P.O. Box 324, Fort Plain, NY 13339.