September 14, 2011       

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Margaret E. “Marge” Lashway, 89, of 708 Lillian St., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14, surrounded by her loving family at the Samaritan Medical Center where she had been a patient since Aug. 23.

Born Aug. 7, 1922, in Pamelia, the daughter of George L. and Gertrude E. Pickett, she was educated in local schools and during World War II was employed at the Bagley and Sewall Machinery Company to support the war effort. 

In later years, she was employed by W.T. Grant’s, McCrory’s and the New York Air Brake. She also served as an election inspector for many years, and worked at the polling sites at Starbuck School, North Side Improvement League, and New York Air Brake.

She was a lifetime member of the North Side Improvement League and the American Legion. 

An avid bowler, she was a Certified Bowling Instructor recognized by the American Bowling Congress, Women’s International Bowling Congress, and Young American Bowling Alliance, teaching the sport at the Watertown Bowl for many years. She truly enjoyed coaching, and especially loved helping senior citizens and developmentally disabled children learn to participate in the sport She served as the president of several bowling leagues, and was a member of several traveling teams that competed in State and National bowling tournaments.

Margaret enjoyed gardening and spending time in her yard, and eagerly awaited the opportunity to exhibit her unique house plants at the Jefferson County Fair each year. She won dozens of blue ribbons for her efforts, and displayed them proudly in her home. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing cards, and spending time with her family. 

Always an adventurer, she took flying lessons at the Dexter Airport and often told tales about it to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She married Roger I. Johnson on Feb. 9, 1940, at Parsonage-Brownville Methodist Church. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1946. 

On Sept. 8, 1947, she married Clifford H. Lashway in Weekhawken, N.J., and lived happily with him and their family until his premature death in 1960. 

Surviving are three children; Nancy (Johnson) Kubalanza and her husband Walter, Fox Lake, Illinois, Trudy (Lashway) Corbett, Watertown, and Clifford M. Lashway and his wife, Susan, Glen Park; 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; seven nieces and nephews and their families. 

Besides her husband Clifford, she was predeceased by two brothers, Richard and George Pickett, and her parents Gertrude (Pickett) Johnson, George Pickett and step father. Keith Johnson.

Margaret will be fondly remembered for her quick wit, warm smile, and determination to do things “her way”.

A private family graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, in North Watertown Cemetery. 

A celebration of her life by her family and friends will be held following the service at the Elk’s Lodge #496 in Watertown at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army.

Funeral Arrangements are with the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home.







Information provided by Hart & Bruce Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.