NEW SALEM — Remembered for her devotion to family, Marian Grippin Countryman died on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, at the Baptist Health Nursing Rehab Center in Scotia. She was 87.
She was born in Binghamton, N.Y., the daughter of Ralph and Harriet Grippin.

Despite physical impairments in her final years, Mrs. Countryman’s family said she always had a positive outlook on life and never complained. 

“She’ll be remembered for her love of family and friends. She never complained; she stayed positive, that’s just he kind of person she was,” said her daughter Bonnie Griffin.

Mrs. Countryman had lived in New Salem since 1943. She married Edward Countryman in 1946 and the couple built their own house in the hamlet in 1949, where they raised two children. The Countrymans’ marriage ended only with his death, in 2007.

The family would often travel, something Mrs. Countryman enjoyed. Mrs. Griffin recalled some of the fondest family memories were frequent camping trips the Thousand Islands on the Saint Lawrence River.

Mrs. Countryman was employed in the medical-insurance field for more than 25 years, retiring in 1982.

After retiring, she enjoyed attending auctions, flea markets, and garage sales in the Capital Region.

“Anyone who knew her, knew she lived for friends and family,” said her daughter.

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Marian Grippin Countryman is survived by her son, Bruce Countryman, and his wife, M. Lynn, of Knox; and her daughter, Bonnie Griffin, and her husband, John, of New Salem; her brothers, Harold B. Grippin, of East Berne; Gerald W. Grippin, of Delmar; Gordon B. Grippin, of Athens; and her sister, Carol Wengenack, and her husband, Edward, of Howes Cave.

She is also survived by four grandchildren, Andrew Countryman and his wife, Amy; Katelyn Countryman and her companion, Donnie; Cynthia Griffin; and Gregory Griffin; one great-grandchild, Bryce Countryman; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Reilly & Son Funeral Home in Voorheesville. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Scotland Senior Citizens program.