Marie F. May, 87, of Frostburg passed away Sunday August 6, 2023, at UPMC Western Maryland.
Born June 21, 1936, in Hyndman, PA, Marie Elizabeth was the daughter of the late John F. and Helen V. (Mellott) Fisher. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bruce W. May.
Survived by daughters, Kelly May (Don Magee) of Springfield, VA; Tia Bingaman (Brent) of Greencastle, PA; grandson, Evan Bingaman (Kelsey) of Harrisburg, PA.
Her first job after high school was working in the blinds department at McCory’s Department Store in Cumberland, MD. She saved her paychecks so she could buy a piano. Marie married her high school sweetheart, Bruce, in 1957. They moved to Frederick, MD, for Bruce’s first teaching job. In 1960, they moved back to Frostburg so Marie could go to college. Marie received her B.S. from Frostburg State Teachers College, and M.S. in Elementary Education from Frostburg State. She began her teaching career at Penn Avenue Elementary School from 1964-1966. After staying home when her daughters were young, she returned to teaching in 1976 as a substitute, followed by positions at McCoole Elementary School 1978-82, and Bel Air Elementary School 1982-96, where she was Chairperson of the Teacher Assistance Team (TAT). She retired from teaching in 1996, after 20 years with Allegany County Public Schools. Marie was a great teacher, and instilled a love of reading and learning in her many students, including her daughters. Her principals always wrote on her teaching evaluations that she created a welcoming and nurturing environment in her classroom. She was her daughters’ first piano teacher, which inspired both of them to earn degrees in music and education.
Her family always came first. In addition to encouraging both of her daughters to earn their Master’s Degrees, she supported her husband throughout his career in education. She dedicated her later years to caring for him through his battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Friends will be received at the Harvey H. Zeigler Funeral Home, Inc., 169 Clarence Street, Hyndman Saturday August 12, 2023 from 12 to 2 p.m., where a funeral service will follow at 2 p.m Burial will follow at Hyndman Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zeiglerfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.