Obituary of Marian Fletcher Hirschman

Marian Fletcher Hirschman, 79, passed away quietly with her family at her side on Tuesday, June 15, 2004. Marian was born March 24, 1925 in Newton Falls, New York, the daughter of Curtis and Hazel (Root) Fletcher. Marian has lived in Syracuse, New York since attending Central City Business Institute in 1941. In her younger years she was employed at Carrier Corporation, the Federal Housing Administration, and the Onondaga County Department of Mental Health. In 1946, Marian married Carl Hirschman and celebrated her 58th wedding anniversary this past May. After having her four children Marian devoted her life to her family and community activities. Marian was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Troop Leader, and active member of the PTA in the schools her children attended. As a member of Furman Street Methodist Church, Marian taught Sunday School and with her husband was an active member of the Couples Club. She enjoyed her involvement in the Home Bureau and spent many years socializing and crafting with this group. Since becoming a member of Elmwood Presbyterian Church in 1970, Marian devoted her time to the founding and ongoing management of the Elmwood Interfaith Food Pantry. In 1999, Marian was a nominee for the Jefferson Award for her work with the food pantry. Fondly known to many as "Mary at the food pantry", Marian found great reward in this work and the many people she met through her work there. Marian was fun-loving, inquisitive (as she called it) and an avid shopper. If she wasn't home, she was either at the Mall or WalMart. She could be seen speeding through the shopping centers in a motorized chair on any given Saturday in the company of her daughters and granddaughter. She took great pride in her children and her granddaughter Alyssa. She loved crafts, gardening and crossword puzzles, and instilled these interests in her children. All who knew her will miss her greatly. Marian is survived by her husband of 58 years, Carl Hirschman Sr.; her children, Carl Hirschman Jr., Sandra Hirschman, Laura Hirschman Norris, Karen Hirschman, her son-in-law, Robert Norris, granddaughter Alyssa Karen Hirschman Norris and Sassy the family German Shepard. Additional family includes her sister, Madeline Fiore of Staten Island, New York, several nieces and one nephew. Services: Saturday, June 19, 2004. 10:00 a.m. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, Inc. with Rev. Jean Radak officiating. Burial: Private Calling Hours: Friday, June 18, 2004, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, 4612 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, New York. Contribuitions: Elmwood Interfaith Food Pantry, 1640 South Avenue, Syracuse, New York 13207.