Obituary of Maria Margarete Straight

Maria Margarete (Abrosat) Straight, formerly of Cortland, passed away April 7, 2015 at Hospicare in Ithaca. Margarete was born January 2, 1926 in Weitendorf (Szameitkehmen), East Prussia, Germany, the daughter of Franz and Emma Laura (Hein) Abrosat. Margarete was a devoted wife and mother and a generous friend and community volunteer. She was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, overseeing the Altar Guild for most of her life, until her health prevented regular attendance. Margarete worked alongside her husband, Thomas, to found Essex Structural Steel Co. She participated in a variety of organizations over the years, including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, Black Sheep Hand-spinners Guild, Air Force Association, Tompkins County Conservative Party, Cortland County Antique Auto Club, and RSVP of Cortland. A survivor of a Russian civilian camp during WWII, Margarete was known for her lively and insightful conversations, her beautiful hand-crafts, her meticulous record-keeping, and her “let’s get it done” attitude. Margarete is survived by her daughter Karen Barden of Ithaca, NY, and her sons Barry (Cindy) Straight of Penfield, NY, and Peter (Ann Marie) Straight of Ithaca,NY; her grandchildren Sarah, Kathryn, Daniel, and Hannah Barden, Maggie and Beth Straight, and Zachariah and Alexander Straight; and her sister Charlotte Berta Harnedy of Windsor Locks, CT. In addition to her parents, Margarete was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Straight, and her brother, Friedrich Wilhelm Abrosat. Friends are invited to call Friday evening from 5-7 p.m. at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave, Cortland. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Madison and Hamlin Streets, Cortland. Interment at McLean Cemetery be done at a later date. To offer online condolences, visit www.wright-beard.com