Obituary of Margaret Schneebacher
Formerly of Middlesex – Margaret Schneebacher, 105 years young, passed away peacefully at CareOne in Bound Brook, which Marge called home the last three years of her life. Born in Newark to the late Frank and Margaret (Ruteker)Damgen, she was the second child and only girl in the family. Growing up during the Depression, it was difficult to find food and work, and many nights the family ate tomato soup and a slice of bread for dinner.
During High School, Margaret worked at Woolworth 5&10 in Newark, to help her family financially. She was a graduate of Central High School in Newark and then began her career with Prudential Insurance Company. Although jobs at Prudential were difficult to get, Margaret was successful. She loved to work for Prudential and they in turn, took care of their employees, having a hot lunch every work day. Marge worked at Prudential until meeting and marrying Alex Schneebacher in 1940. At that time, companies did not permit women to work once they were married.
During WWII, Marge’s husband Alex was drafted into the United States Army. At that time, Marge and their two children moved to live with her parents in Irvington. Her husband, and all three of her brothers were in the military together. Living with her parents was helpful for her and her children. After the war ended, Marge, Alex and their two children lived in the military barracks in Irvington, as it was very difficult to find housing at that time.
Marge and Alex moved to “the country,” in 1950, calling Middlesex her home for seventy years .After her four children had grown, Marge worked at Bamberger’s in Plainfield for many years. Marge had a love for travelling and along with her friend Jean, her interest in flea markets selling items became a normal routine. Finding treasures over the state brought a great thrill to her. She belonged to Dunellen Presbyterian Church and the women's clubs of Middlesex and Bound Brook. Marge loved to crochet and go to house sales all over the area on the weekends. In 2020, when her son George died, the house was lonely and it was then she moved to Care One assisted living. First coming to CareOne for respite care after a health scare, she decided to stay and become a permanent resident.
Marge had a love for playing cards and while residing at CareOne, her friend Rick taught her Kings in the Corner and she became very good at it. On Sunday’s, when her grandson and his family would visit, they could often be found playing poker and she loved the rivalry that would arise from her twelve year old great-grandson. An avid reader, Marge often could be found reading books, especially mystery novels, from the library and adding her own opinions and comments for the next reader. She also enjoyed doing crosswords and of course bingo.
Marge was a very independent woman who always wanted to do things on her own. Some of the aides at CareOne would often call her “I’ll do it myself” when they saw her going throughout the building.
Predeceased by her husband Alexander Theodore Schneebacher and her son George Schneebacher, Marge leaves behind her children; Susan Rigal and her husband Ernie, Karen Palmiotti and Alex Schneebacher and his wife Brenda. She will be missed by her eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, with the youngest born in 2024 and honoring Marge by taking her name, Margaret.
Visitation will be held at Middlesex Funeral Home, 528 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex, NJ 08846 on Friday, May 30, 2025 from 6pm until 8pm. On Saturday, May 31, 2025, family and friends are invited to gather directly at Hollywood Memorial Park in Union for an 11:00am graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations sent to your favorite charity would be appreciated.