Margaret Mancini

Margaret “Marge” Mancini, 99 — Card Shark and Kitchen Matriarch

Margaret “Marge” Mancini didn’t just reach 99—she used all 99 years, right down to the last hand of cards and the last tomato brought in from the garden.

She now rejoins her husband of 70 years, Armand Mancini. They were soulmates—truly. They honored one another in a way that was steady, genuine, and rare. If there’s a game going on in Heaven, Marge has already claimed her seat at the poker table—and Armand is off looking for a hot craps table. They will meet after to enjoy a good buffet together. We can only imagine the playful teasing has already begun again, just as it always did. To Armand, she was always his “best pumpkin in the pumpkin patch.” Together, they were a role model for what a loving, lasting partnership looks like.

She leaves behind her daughters, Carol Burkhart (John) and Joann Scherer (Ken). Carol cared for her mother with a sharp mind and steady hand—organized, professional, and always on top of every detail of her medical care. Joann cared for her mother with time, presence, and heart—welcoming her into her home, cooking alongside her, and filling her days with simple joys like playing dice and cards together. John and Ken were loved not as sons-in-law, but as sons. John was her trusted chauffeur to doctor’s appointments, always making sure she got where she needed to go, and caring for her as a son would. Ken shared how he was welcomed into the family with open arms—nourished not only with food, but with love—truly becoming a son.

Her grandchildren—Lisa Groff (Tom), Becky Jenkins (Lyle), Kenny Scherer (Jessica), and Margie Nightingale (Eric)—knew her as the one who made everything feel like home, whether it was around a table, on a porch, or stretched out on her couch after school for a quick nap. They also remember car rides where they would lean on her for comfort and cushion—simple moments that meant everything.

Her grandson shared a memory that captures her perfectly—coming home from hunting with Grandpa in the early mornings, sitting down together for a delicious breakfast, and watching as she lit up listening to every detail of the story. She didn’t just hear you—she enjoyed you.

Her 12 great-grandchildren—Jacob, Armand, Lizzie, Danny, Ella, Benny, Phoebe, Clara, Josh, Joey, Josie, Catherine—enjoyed their great grandmother and added even more life and laughter to hers.

Other surviving relatives include a nephew Michael Mancini (Martha) of St. Johnsville and a niece Carol Perone of Rotterdam Junction.

Marge had a presence you didn’t forget—eyes that sparkled, a smile that was almost always there, and a wit and sense of humor that could catch you off guard in the best way. She had a remarkable memory—never missing a birthday or anniversary—and an uncanny good luck that seemed to follow her, especially anywhere cards or chance were involved.

She enjoyed poker in her earlier years and later played pitch with family and friends, even during her time in the nursing home. The nursing home offered her many activities that she enjoyed such as bingo, cards, and music. She had many caring friends and staff that we will forever be indebted to.

Marge loved to shop—especially for others—and was always on the lookout for a good sale. She knew how to pinch a penny and, as Armand would say, was always trying to “put ten pounds in a five-pound bag.” She also had a habit of scanning the ground for loose change—often finding it, too.

She and Armand loved the simple things most—sitting on the porch watching the cars go by, chatting with anyone who passed, and taking rides out into the country just to be together. On those rides, they looked for simple treasures nature provided—mustard greens and dandelion greens along the roadside, and the quiet joy of spotting deer and turkeys. They shared that love of the outdoors with their grandchildren, taking them fishing, frog catching, and blueberry and apple picking—moments that became lifelong memories.

They also enjoyed their outings—visiting casinos and heading to the racetrack to bet on the horses, often bringing a picnic and making it something special, sometimes bringing the grandchildren along to share in the day and the experience.

At home, life was filled with simple joys—watching baseball (she loved the Mets), singing along to favorite songs, and shuffling around the living room together, dancing with Armand. They showed what it meant to work as a team in everything they did—even in the little things, like her washing the dishes while he dried them.

And then there was the kitchen and garden—where their partnership showed up every day. Grandma was the cook, and Grandpa was the gardener. Together, they created meals and memories side by side.

Marge was known for her pineapple upside-down cookies, her souplees, her homemade pasta, ham and cabbage soup, and meals that brought people running. Grandkids especially remember heading down there for her homemade golumpki, fried fish that Grandpa caught, macaroni and cheese, and her perfectly crisp and salted fresh-cut French fries. Dessert was her signature cherry cheesecake. Food wasn’t just food—it was love, effort, and tradition on a plate.

Armand took great pride in the garden, and Marge took great joy in sharing its abundance. There was always more than enough—tomatoes, garlic, and everything in between—and she generously made sure it was shared with family and friends, because that’s just who she was.

She believed in simple, meaningful things: work hard, don’t waste, feed people well, enjoy a good game, and stay a little longer than expected.

If you want to honor Marge, it’s easy—play cards, sit outside, plant something, and share what you have.

Marge wouldn’t have had it any other way.

The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 5 - 7 pm at the locally owned and family operated Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to the Masonic Lodge) 20 Bridge St., St. Johnsville, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11:00 am at Holy Family Parish, Main St., Little Falls, NY, with Rev. Brian Slezak, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Johnsville Cemetery.

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