George A. Ferman passed away at home on June 3, 2003, after a short battle with cancer.

George grew up in Manitoba, Canada. He attended the University of Manitoba, where he earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in architecture. He also studied sociology at the University of Toronto. He was invited to the United States to work for the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), and he designed YMCAs throughout the eastern seaboard. He was employed by Wiedersum Associates of Hauppauge, NY. His most recent project was the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City NY. He had a passion for architecture and continued to work up until his death.

He was an advocate for children. He was a founding member of the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center (KPTC). Most recently he was involved in Commerce Plaza, the Children's Business Center, a program which introduces school children to the corporate world through field trips. His love of children, knowledge about public schools and ability to identify architectural needs were integral for the success of this project. George believed in the essential worth of every human being, and this was one way to help children excel and identify their talents.

In the past, he had been president of the Kiwanis Club of Great Neck. He was also part of the building advisory board of the New York Armenian Home in Flushing, NY. He was involved in the building process of the St. Vartan's Armenian Cathedral in New York and the early phases of development of the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside.

George was committed to the Village of Plandome Heights. He has been a village trustee since April 1992. He was deputy mayor in 2001. In March 2002, he was elected as mayor of the Village of Plandome Heights.

George was a loving husband and father. He was dedicated to his work. He strove for excellence in every endeavor and worked tirelessly and with great intent. An optimist and a dreamer, he would always see the good in others. He was a kind and gentle man with a good sense of humor. He once told a friend that he felt that he was blessed with a great career, job and family. And now it was time for him to give back to the community. He enjoyed life to the fullest and had so much more to offer.

He is survived by his wife, Aida Ferman and his daughter, Dr. Debra Ferman. Donations may be made in his name to the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center, the New York Armenian Home, or the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs.

Marjorie McAdoo Rankin, 90, died May 11, 2003, at Connecticut Hospice, Branford, CT. She resided at 27 Aylesbury Circle, Madison, CT. She was the wife of the late John G. Rankin.

Born on Feb. 27, 1913 in Allentown, PA, she was the daughter of the late William and Edith McAdoo.

She was an English and drama major at Cornell University, graduating in 1935. Marjorie always had a bit of actress in her. For most of her married life she resided in Manhasset, where she was active in Girl Scouts, American Cancer Society, Manhasset Student Aid Foundation, the Unitarian Church and director of the Senior Citizens Program. She was an avid sports fan and expert bridge player.

She is survived by daughters, Marilyn Walter of Stannardsville, VA and Janice Thurlow of Wasilla, AK; son, Donald Rankin of Madison, CT, brother; Donald McAdoo of Bowie, MD; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Susan Glennon Hillman; sister, Gladys Smith; and brothers, William and Herbert McAdoo.

Marjorie (Midge) was beloved by her family and friends for her warm personality and sense of humor.

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian-Universalist Church, Madison, CT, July 12, 2003. Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison Land Conservation Trust, P.O. Box 561, Madison, CT 06443.

The New Haven Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.