In Memory of Rev. Marjorie “Maggie” Rebmann (1944-2024)

We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Marjorie “Maggie” Rebmann, who died on July 4, 2024, at the age of 80.

Maggie was born on March 22, 1944, in Fayetteville, NC to Josephine Corboy and Donald McConnell. Her father’s U.S. Army career took the family to Camp Hakata, Japan, near the southern city of Fukuoka soon after Japan’s surrender to the Allied Powers in 1945. His service also had them stationed at numerous posts in the U.S. requiring Maggie to change schools often. In Maggie’s youth, the family returned to MA where she finished high school. In 1972, she received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Framingham State College, MA. Following that, she entered Andover Newton Theological School, MA to study for ministry as a Unitarian Universalist minister. She received her Master of Divinity in 1981. 

Rev. Rebmann was ordained to the UU ministry on January 1, 1980. In 1981, she accepted a call from the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, VT where she would serve until 2008. She was the church’s eleventh settled minister and first female pastor. The church grew in membership and leadership during her tenure. Her ministry helped the church grow as a theologically and socially diverse community where members had a high degree of comfort despite its diversity. She helped create a welcoming community for Families of Color in the church and wanted people to “own” their church. She LOVED the church! Her ministry placed a strong emphasis on caring and compassionate kindness. People in the congregation adopted and continued that attitude. It was a communal commitment and was reflected in the spirit of the whole community. Rev. Rebmann excelled both as a preacher and pastor. Her sermons were thought provoking, spiritual and satisfying, as well as funny, well written with great emotional impact. Her engaging stories and deep insights were creative gifts to the congregation. She was steeped in and brought alive the history and traditions of Unitarian Universalism. Upon her conclusion of twenty-seven years the church honored her as their minister emerita. 

Rev. Rebmann shared her gracious spirit, insightful preaching, and abiding humor with the congregation and denomination. She served as a minister of the Arts Week on Star Island. 

Maggie loved animals and she was basically never in her life without an animal. She loved her cats, dogs, chickens, ducks, and goats. 

Marjorie is survived by her husband Richard Rebmann; her son: John Hollovary (Rosaria); daughters: Susan Reilly, Camille Panburn, and Araceli Rebmann; stepson: Coy Rebmann; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; as well as her brother Brian McConnell (Eileen); and sister Tina Thompson.

A memorial service was held on August 16, 2024, at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 130 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Church of Montpelier.

Notes of condolences may be written here.