Marilyn Keeley Scharf

Dundee, NY - Marilyn Elizabeth (Keeley) Scharf of 953 East Lake Road on Keuka Lake passed away on December 10th at home after many years of living and dealing with cancer. Marilyn was born in Corning, New York, on July 24, 1935, to Arthur Woodward and Ruth Said Keeley.She graduated from Northside High School and Elmira College with a bachelor’s degree in Art and Sociology.Marilyn taught art at Horseheads Junior High East and the High School.In retirement she was an active member of the local chapter of the AAUW and became an antique dealer at Opera House Antiques in Hammondsport, New York.She also found an interest in local government and was for many years on the Planning Boards for the Town of Barrington and Yates County.Marilyn also served on the Barrington Board of Assessment Review for 20 years. At Marilyn’s request there will be a celebration of her life at a later time at the convenience of her family. Marilyn was thankful that her education led her to teaching art.She felt fortunate to witness the daily creativity of her students and enjoyed many discussions that developed over time.Some of the students were in her classes from grade 7 through high school.Working with many very special young people made for a fulfilling career. Like many area retirees, Marilyn had a long relationship with Keuka Lake having been brought to the family cottage shortly after her birth.The cottage, at that time, was close to a working farm so she could enjoy the farm animals as well as lake living.She enjoyed animals of all sorts throughout her life: her childhood dog (Bingo), a rabbit (King Arthur), the family dogs, a guinea pig, grandcats, and a granddog.After retirement Marilyn designed the remodel for the original Keeley family cottage to make it into a year-round home.Marilyn and her husband Robert (Bob) did much of the partial demolition of the original cottage themselves and then worked alongside the carpenters as their retirement dream home was built.The cottage, and now home, have been in the Keeley family for over 80 years. Marilyn and Bob spent their childhood summers on Keuka lake, at their family cottages which were not even 2 miles apart on the east side, but did not meet each other until Bob was already a college student.But they were soon dating and spent their honeymoon at the lake a few years later.Marilyn and Bob passed on their love of the lake to their children who all spent their childhood summers at the lake, still visit the lake whenever they can, and have Keuka in their hearts when they’re away. Marilyn had many interests and hobbies.She started singing and playing instruments as a youngster and played in her high school concert, marching, and jazz bands, as well as orchestra.As an adult she enjoyed learning and singing significant choral works with Elmira’s Cantata Singers.She was a member of the American Wine Society, and as a member of New York State Women for Wine she educated others about New York wines as she poured wine at various events.She also enjoyed creating works of art in fiber and ceramics and was a member of Gallery Place.Appreciation of art and craftsmanship continued throughout her life. A concern for preserving the lake and the rural character of the area led her to join various voluntary governmental groups to plan with others how best to achieve these goals. Marilyn was predeceased by her mother, Elizabeth (Ruth) Said (1991); father, Arthur W. Keeley (1957); and brother, David A. Keeley (1975). Marilyn is survived by her husband of 59 years, Robert H. Scharf; and three children, Lucinda M. Scharf (Chris Kapral) of Austin, Texas, Deborah A. Scharf of Temple, Texas and Robert A. Scharf of Taylor Lake Village, Texas; her grandsons, William A. Kapral and David A. Kapral of Austin, Texas; sister-in-law, Audrey (Carlton) LeTourneau; nephews, Bruce Keeley, Ted Scharf, Stephen Ehringer; niece, Margaret Waring; and many cousins. No flowers please.In place of flowers, Marilyn requests that dear friends and relatives enjoy the gifts of nature and humankind that surround them that are often overlooked as we rush through our lives.