Margery Schieber Silk

December 9, 1924 - December 12, 2025

Born in Los Angeles, Margery passed away peacefully in Westport, Connecticut, at the age of 101. She was proud of her heritage as a third generation Californian and graduated from South Pasadena/San Marino High School in 1942. She began her studies at Stanford University earning her degree from UCLA in 1945. Margery's passion for art history led her to New York University where she pursued a master's degree.

While skiing in Vermont, she met her future husband, New Zealander and LIFE Staff Photographer, George Silk. They married in San Marino in 1947. Margery's enthusiasm for the world around her was boundless. She had a keen interest in art, architecture, birds as well as other animals, music, and culinary pursuits. She traveled around the world extensively pursuing these interests.

A lifelong gardener, tennis and bridge player, Margery was a member of the Westport Garden Club, The Bronx Botanical Gardens, The Bronx Zoo, as well as local tennis and bridge groups. Through the years she was an active member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Aspetuck Land Trust, Friends of Sherwood Island, and CT Audubon Society. At Cedar Point Yacht Club she would occasionally crew for her husband or drive her children to regattas.

Margery WAS that 'lady in tennis shoes and tennis skirt' who came of age in the 1960s and 70s and who championed the 'good fights' by writing letters in a multitude of directions. She volunteered selflessly to promote and protect the environment. She was a founding member of the Aspetuck Land Trust and a leader of the charge to defeat an initiative to build a nuclear power plant on Cockenoe Island. Margery was a protestor or a supporter of causes with no fear of being heard.

Margery is survived by her three children:  Stuart, Georgiana, Shelley Wehrly, and their spouses; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her spirit of wonder and love of learning. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

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