Bennington
Longtime Manchester Center Educator Marjorie Scieszka Dies at 78
Marjorie Anne Raschdorf Scieszka (78) of Manchester Center, VT, died peacefully on August 2, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born in Adams, MA, on May 8, 1948, daughter of Clarence and Helen (Stokey) Raschdorf. Marjorie was a 1966 graduate…
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Key points
- Marjorie Scieszka, a Manchester Center resident who taught for 35 years in local schools, passed away on Aug. 2, 2026, at age 78.
- Her teaching career spanned classrooms in Arlington, Manchester, North Bennington, and Sunderland before her retired volunteer work in Africa.
- Memorial gifts may be made to the James Scieszka Memorial Scholarship at Burr and Burton Academy.
Marjorie Anne Raschdorf Scieszka, a dedicated educator who spent 35 years teaching students across Bennington County and Southern Vermont, passed away peacefully on Aug. 2, 2026, surrounded by her family at the age of 78. According to an obituary notice published by Shea Family Funeral Homes, the longtime Manchester Center resident devoted her life to local public schools and international literacy programs.
A Career Dedicated to Local Schools and Literacy
Born in Adams, Massachusetts, on May 8, 1948, to Clarence and Helen Raschdorf, Scieszka graduated with honors from Adams Memorial High School in 1966. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education cum laude from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in three years, marrying her husband, Greg Scieszka, Jr., in June 1969.
After starting her teaching career in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Scieszka served two years in the Peace Corps in Lesotho, Africa, teaching English and biology while completing a master’s degree in international education. The Scieszks moved to Manchester in 1975, beginning her 35-year tenure in local classrooms.
Throughout her career in Southern Vermont, Scieszka served students across several local communities, including:
- Arlington
- Manchester
- North Bennington
- Sunderland
- Wells
- Halifax
She took particular pride in working as a school librarian and supporting gifted and talented programs. Following her retirement in 2010, she and her husband returned to Africa to assist in establishing school libraries across Eswatini and Lesotho.
Family and Memorial Information
Scieszka is survived by her husband of 57 years, Greg; her sons, John and Matthew; daughter-in-law, Kara; two grandchildren, Emily and Jack; sister, Rose Lennart; brother, Richard Raschdorf; and niece, Denise Lennart. She was predeceased in 1986 by her eldest son, James Scieszka, at age 15.
In accordance with her wishes, organ donations were made through New England Donor Services. There will be no public calling hours, and burial services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, local residents may direct memorial contributions to the James Scieszka Memorial Scholarship at Burr and Burton Academy, 57 Seminary Ave., Manchester, VT 05254.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Brewster & Shea Funeral & Cremation Service – Manchester originally published by Shea Family Funeral Homes (Bennington, VT). Read the original story.
