Margaret E. "Marge" Zacharkow

Margaret E. Zacharkow (“Marge”), of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Bridgton, Maine, passed away Thursday July 4, 2024 at Jefferson Abington Hospital following a fall. She was in her 98th year. Marge was the wife of the late George S. Zacharkow, who predeceased her in 1994 at age 67. 

Marge was born on April 7, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York, to John F. Condon and Elizabeth Cusick Condon. She was predeceased by her younger brother John Condon and her younger sister Joan Condon.

Although born in Brooklyn, Marge’s family relocated to Medford, New York, which is where she grew up and attended school. Following graduation from high school, Marge worked as an operator for the telephone company.

Marge met George in Medford and their lifelong journey commenced. George attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, and the Academy became a focal point for them. She attended his football games and helped him learn the Rules of the Road. George sailed aboard merchant vessels as a deck officer during WW II and intended to continue sailing after graduation from the Academy in 1947. However, Marge was not interested in spending the rest of her life with a sailor and George came ashore so they could get married.

George’s employment in the marine insurance industry brought them from New York to Massachusetts, and then back to New York. During this time, Marge worked as a homemaker and at raising their two children, Richard and Nancy. Marge was active in various social clubs and she was a member of the United Church of Christ. When the children were older, she started working in the retail sector.   

Starting in 1959, Marge enjoyed family summer vacations on Highland Lake in Bridgton, Maine. In 1988 a family house was built on the Lake and she enjoyed spending time there during all seasons. She particularly liked decorating for Christmas and spending time with the family.

Marge relocated from New York to West Chester in 1998 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She lived in Springton Village at Hershey’s Mill.  During her time at Hershey’s Mill she developed a close group of friends with whom she enjoyed taking trips to the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia and to Delaware Park. She enjoyed the many social activities that Springton Village had, and she also enjoyed dining with her friends at the Hershey’s Mill Golf Club.  She loved being a Grandma and was an avid spectator at granddaughter Laurel’s horse shows and chorus programs, and grandson Ben’s ice hockey games.

Marge is survived by her son, George R. Zacharkow, daughter Nancy J. Glidden (nee Zacharkow), son-in-law Peter L. Glidden, and grandchildren Laurel E. Glidden and Benjamin L. Glidden. 

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church 409 E. Lancaster Ave Downingtown, PA 19335, followed by her Funeral Service at 10:00 am.

Interment will be at a later date in North Bridgton Cemetery in Bridgton, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com