Margaret E. Gras, 79, of Robert Street, Richmondville, New York died Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown.

Born November 1, 1946, in Troy, New York, Margaret was the daughter of Clayton W. Shufelt and Elizabeth M. Wickware Shufelt. She was a graduate of Watervliet High School, Class of 1965.

Margaret devoted much of her life to serving others and giving back to the communities she loved. She was a former Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Richmondville and later worked for 10 years at Hometown Health in Schenectady. She worked for P&C Foods, as well. Her commitment to helping others extended far beyond her working years, as she generously shared her time, energy, and friendship with numerous organizations.

She volunteered with the Schoharie Community Food Pantry and was involved with the Richmondville Swim Team. Margaret was deeply involved with the B.P.O.E. Ladies Auxiliary, serving as President in both Cobleskill and Watervliet, as well as holding other offices within the Auxiliary. Margaret was also a member of the Richmondville Historical Society, Summit Seniors, the Red Hat Society, and the Wiawaka Women's Church Group. During her years as a member of Schoharie Presbyterian Church, she faithfully served as a deacon.

For many years, Margaret was a devoted member and treasurer of the Richmondville Mixed Bowling League while Cobleskill Lanes was open. The league became an important part of her life, bringing her together with friends and neighbors and reflecting the warmth, camaraderie, and sense of community.

Margaret found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. She enjoyed reading, word searches, and watching her favorite mystery television show, Murder, She Wrote. Margaret also rarely missed a Friday night of Bingo, one of her all time favorite games. She also enjoyed attending Senior Sneakers at the Senior Center. But of all the things that brought Margaret joy, nothing meant more to her than her family. She treasured her time with her grandchildren and held close the many memories made with the people she loved.

Margaret's final two years were spent at home, where she was surrounded by the love, care, and support of her family.

Margaret is survived by her three sons, Benjamin; Martin and his wife, Joanna; and Theodore; her three beloved grandchildren, Ariella, Valentina, and Theodore; and her brother, Clayton Shufelt. She was predeceased by her husband, Theodore E. Gras II, in January 2001; her parents, Clayton W. Shufelt and Elizabeth M. Wickware Shufelt; and her brother, Thomas Shufelt.

Margaret will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her community. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, especially in the family she cherished.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 4:00-6:00PM at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 11:00AM at the funeral home with burial following at St. Vincent de Paul's Catholic cemetery.