Obituary of Margaret J. Webster

GOUVERNEUR- Margaret Josephine Webster, age 86, of Gouverneur, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at her home surrounded by her loving family and companion. There will be a graveside service for Margaret on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at East Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur with Lay Pastor Judy Sibley officiating. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Margaret was born in Gouverneur on April 28, 1928 to Margaret Grace Spaulding Burr and Maynard Adelphia Burr. She attended Gouverneur Central School and received the New York State Equivalency Diploma. As a young woman, she worked at Kinney's Soda Fountain as well as numerous waitress positions at the Log Cabin and Circle Inn. A marriage ended in divorce, then her career continued with working at the Lace Paper Mill and then later she worked at the Tribune Press, where she worked for 25 years from 1965-1990. During that time she was President of the Union for eight years. She and her companion, Leo Tallman, enjoyed gardening, traveling and attending Leo's art exhibits throughout the regions. She enjoyed her community involvement such as the hospital auxiliary and advisory boards and garden tours. The couple both painted pictures, except Maggie's was with flowers and poetry. Her love for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and companion was evident every time she applauded their accomplishments. Margaret is survived by her companion of 52 years, Leo Tallman of Gouverneur; two daughters, Patricia Patton of Gouverneur and Kathy Webster of Rodman, NY; her grandson, Charles Patton and his wife Amy of Manlius, NY; her granddaughter, Pamela Whalen and her husband Casey of The Woodlands, TX; two great grandchildren, Carter Patton and Blair Margaret Whalen; two sisters, Mildred Cornell and Martha Premo and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Morris John Burr and Maynard Burr Jr. Donations may be made in Margaret's memory to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy. 11, Potsdam, NY 13676 or to the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary, 77 W. Barney St., Gouverneur, NY 13642.