Marjorie Anne Raschdorf Scieszka

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 with honors from Adams Memorial High School.

She graduated from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1969, with a B.A., cum laude in history and secondary education, completing college in three years. During this time, she spent a semester at the University of Bologna, Italy, and was able to visit cousins in Doubs, France.

She married Greg Scieszka, Jr. in St. Thomas Church, Adams, MA, on June 7, 1969.

She taught history at Pittsfield, MA, high school in 1969, subsequently joining the Peace Corps for two-years in Lesotho, Africa with Greg and their one-year-old son, Jimmy, teaching English and biology. While there, Marjorie earned her master’s degree in international education from UMass.

The Scieszkas moved to Manchester, VT, in 1975, where Marjorie taught various subjects over 35 years in Sunderland, Manchester, Arlington, North Bennington, Wells and Halifax. She was proud to work with gifted and talented students and as a librarian.

After she retired in 2010, the Scieszkas spent one-year working with the Ministry of Education in Mbabane, Swaziland (now Eswatini), and in 2015 they returned to Africa volunteering with Help Lesotho. Marjorie’s work focused on establishing school libraries throughout the country.

Marjorie had many interests, including reading, traveling, gardening, bird-watching and collecting Christmas books.

She leaves her devoted husband, Greg, married 57 years, her son John (Kara), her youngest son, Matthew, and her grandchildren, Emily and Jack. She was predeceased by her oldest son, James Scieszka (15), in 1986. She leaves a sister, Rose Lennart of East Meadow, NY, a brother, Richard (Kathy), Raschdorf of Adams, MA, and several other nieces and nephews and was especially close to her niece, Denise Lennart.

At Marjorie’s request, organs were donated to New England Donor Services. There will be no calling hours and burial will be private. If friends desire, contributions can be made in her memory to the James Scieszka Memorial Scholarship at Burr & Burton Academy, 57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT 05254.

Condolences may be sent to Greg Scieszka, 81 Carlen St., Manchester Ctr, VT 05255