Obituary of Margaret E. Nevins

Margaret E. Nevins Olean, NY Margaret E. "Marge" Nevins, 86, passed away Friday (December 23, 2016) at Olean General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born May 20, 1930 in River Rouge, MI, she was the 2nd of four children born to Clifford and Bernadette Durant Philippart. She was predeceased by two husbands, James W. Gosney and Joseph A. Nevins, Jr. Marge earned her Master's in Sociology at Wayne State University. She served as a Social Worker with Detroit's Aid to Dependent Children. Her interest turned to the care of the elderly and she spent the rest of her life working to further benefits for the elderly and protecting their rights. She began her nursing home career in Detroit in 1958 as Assistant Administrator to three nursing homes built for the care and rehabilitation of the elderly. She then served as the Administrator of Nursing Homes in Detroit and consultant for nursing homes built in Cleveland, OH, Covina, CA and Buffalo by Nursing Homes of America. She moved her family to Buffalo as the Administrator & Executive Director of the newly built Georgian Court Nursing Home on Delaware Ave. She served in that capacity until 1970 when she moved her family to Olean. Marge continued her life mission in Olean. She worked as a medical social worker with the Cattaraugus County Health Department, served on committees to improve housing for the elderly in Olean, and began the Meals on Wheels program, serving as Director for 27 years until she turned it over to the Department of the Aging. She accepted the position of Admission Coordinator for the Cattaraugus County Nursing Homes in Olean and Machias until her retirement in 1997. Retirement didn't slow her down. She taught "Senior Swim" aerobics at the YMCA for 12 years; served for many years on the Board of "Friends of the Library" where was responsible for the book sale, monthly artist receptions, and conducting a monthly program "Born to Read" at Olean General Hospital for expectant mothers. In addition, she served on the board of "Friends of the Pines", was responsible for bringing "Art" to the walls of the Nursing Home in Olean and making the entrance living room a homey place for the residents to enjoy. In her spare time, she volunteered in the St. Bonaventure Parish office. Marge was recognized for her service to the community. Among these were the Exchange Club Golden Deeds Award in 1980, Founders Award for Meals on Wheels, and Volunteer of the Year at the YMCA. Marge shared her love of traveling, camping and fishing with her children, and was so proud of her years in Girl Scouting. She earned her 30-year pin, touching countless numbers of young lives as a scout leader, and then served on the Girl Scout administration board. She was an avid gardener and passed the love of flowers and "dirt" on to her daughters as she tirelessly worked to present a beautiful place where she could sit and read. She was most proud of her family. She is survived by her four children Tom (Sue) Gosney of San Pedro, CA, Holly (Chris) Keenan of Allegany, Bradley (Alicia) Nevins of Austin, TX and Jennifer (Mike Yankovich) Nevins of Arvada, CO; 11 grandchildren Nathan Keenan, Sarah Keenan, Holly Ellen Yankovich, Jessica Gosney, Marc Gosney, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi McCaffrey, Victoria Cook, Corinna Valdez and Andrea Cook; 6 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; a brother Jerry Philippart of Chicago, IL and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husbands and parents she was predeceased by a sister Mary Ellen Barnowski and a brother Thomas Philippart. At Marge's request there will be no visitation. A celebration of her life will be held early summer in her garden for anyone who would like to remember her. In recognition of Marge's years of volunteer service, her family requests that those she touched "pay it forward" and help someone in need. Monetary donations in her name may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, 331 Alberta Dr., Buffalo, NY 14226, Children's Museum of Denver, 2121 Children's Museum Dr., Denver, CO 80211, Cattaraugus County Nursing Home "Friends of the Pines", 2245 W. State St. Olean, NY 14760 or to "Friends of the Olean Public Library", 134 N. 2nd St. Olean, NY 14760. Arrangements are being handled by the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean. On-line condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.