Marguerite V. Berger

July 14, 1933 - April 9, 2026

Marguerite was born to Hilda Murphy and Harry E. Vinall II on July 14, 1933. She was educated in local schools in Beacon and Newburgh.

Marguerite married Ronald Berger on August 6, 1971, and they shared 33 happy years together until Ron's passing in December 2004. Marguerite and Ron co-owned the Marlboro Pharmacy in Marlboro, NY, where Ron served as pharmacist for over a decade.

Marguerite had a love of early American history and Middle Eastern antiquities. She proudly served on the board of the Dutchess County Historical Society in the early 2000s. She was also a former curator of the Van Wyck Homestead in Fishkill, where she enjoyed sharing her extensive knowledge of history with all who visited. She and Ron loaned the homestead many pieces from their own antique collection for display.

Marguerite and Ron spent years restoring the former Griffin's Tavern, also known as The Rendez-Vous, which served as a meeting place for Continental Army officers during the American Revolution. Sadly, the building was lost in a fire in 1993.

Marguerite enjoyed cooking and prepared many gourmet meals for her family. She was an avid gardener, and she and Ron even created a rose garden for their two young granddaughters. Together, they were devoted grandparents. Growing up, the girls knew an adventure was always in store when Grandma and Grandpa's red minivan pulled into the driveway.

In her later years, Marguerite took pleasure in knitting, making beautiful blankets for family members and donating others to the local VA hospital. She was delighted to become a great-grandmother to her two great-granddaughters, Lily and Alice. One of her last joys was holding newborn Alice for the first time.

Marguerite was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ronald Berger; her brother, Harry E. Vinall III; and her sister, Sara Shea. She is survived by her son, James Brockway (Debra); her granddaughters, Stephanie Brockway and Sara Norton (Dennis); her great-granddaughters, Lily and Alice Norton; as well as cherished nieces, nephews, a great-niece, and a great-nephew.

Calling hours will be held from 10am to 12pm on Thursday, April 16 at McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. Interment to follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, 342 South Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dutchess County Historical Society at dchsny.org .