Margaret H. Schadler

Niskayuna - Margaret Eleanor Horsfall Schadler of Niskayuna, NY, died peacefully on April 18, 2025, at the Glen Eddy in Niskayuna, NY at the age of 93. Margy was born on August 31, 1931, in Geneva, NY, to the late James Gordon Horsfall and Sue Belle Overton Horsfall.

After graduating from Hamden High School in Hamden, CT in 1949, Margy attended Cornell University, graduating in 1953 with a B.S. in Biology. She worked in her field until 1957, when she took time off to raise a family. Margaret subsequently earned an M.S. and Ph.D. in Biology from Union College in 1970 and 1973, respectively.

While at Cornell, Margaret met Harvey Walter Schadler, son of Harvey George Schadler and Ida Beinert Schadler. Harvey and Margaret married in New Haven, CT, on August 28, 1954. After three years in West Lafayette Indiana where Harvey attended graduate school, the Schadlers moved to Schenectady, NY, in 1957. Margaret taught biology at Union College for more than 25 years. She was the associate dean for undergraduate programs at the College for many years and established the Steinmetz Symposium for undergraduate research. In her roles as professor and dean, Margy was a strong advocate for access to higher education for all students, and equitable treatment of all faculty.

Margaret was a generous member of the community, always a strong advocate for equal rights and for the environment. Margy served as President of the Junior League of Schenectady, where she helped establish the Environmental Clearing House (ECOS) focused on environmental education, a thriving institution now 53 years old. Margaret was also part of the team that helped develop the Niskayuna Bike Path. She loved the outdoors around the world and especially Lake George and the Adirondacks. Margy was a board director of Adirondack Wild, Friends of the Forest Preserve, and a long-time board member for the Lake George Association (and the Fund for Lake George). She and Harvey were also strong supporters of the Lake George Land Conservancy.

She was a passionate supporter of Planned Parenthood and the Girls Club of Schenectady. Margaret was active in the First Reformed Church of Schenectady, NY, as an elder on the Consistory and for 50 years as a member of the church choir.

Margaret’s greatest joy came from her family, from being outdoors, and allying herself with institutions that make a difference. Her professional and personal interests took her to all 7 continents in search of nature and culture. China, Africa, and Arizona were particular draws.

Margaret is survived by her sister, Anne Vaux Horsfall Thomas; children, Janet Anne Schadler, Edward (Ted) Harvey Schadler (married to Deirdre Fay Quinn Schadler of Baltimore), and Linda Schadler Feist (married to Thomas Feist of Pittsburgh); sister-in-law Janet Ruth Schadler Welch and brother-in-law David Alden Thomas; and four grandchildren: Edward Paul Feist, Annabelle Sue Feist, Rory Horsfall Schadler, and Sophie Fay Schadler.

We will remember Margaret best as a tenacious and generous person who deeply loved her husband, children, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and friends. To the very end she did everything she could to be outside and was never happier than when she was taking a walk to identify a fern, mushroom, flower, bird, or salamander. She taught us to always do what is right, even when that is hard, and to respect people of all abilities. We will miss her fighting spirit.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on May 3, 2025, at the First Reformed Church, 8 North Church Street, Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Lake George Land Conservancy, 4905 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing, NY, 12814, or to the First Reformed Church of Schenectady. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.jonesfuneralny.com.