 This eulogy courtesy of the Matinchek Funeral Home.
Thank you for joining us today as we celebrate Margaret’s life. So many of you have sent cards or emails or called with words of sympathy. Every one of those have been very much appreciated. Thank you. We are here to remember and celebrate the life of Margaret Fern Brasington—a life that began on a chilly November morning in 1913, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Born prematurely, little Margaret's first cradle was a humble shoebox. Nothing more was called for. She was small and the doctors said she wouldn’t live. But she did. Margaret’s life is a testament to the tenacity she had from the very start. Her grandmother, a woman of immense strength who had raised seventeen children, nurtured Margaret with unwavering love and determination. Her story of survival was one Margaret carried with pride, a beacon of her resilience. Margaret was the middle daughter among five spirited girls: Ethel, Sadie, Bertha, and Nan. Their bond was like a fortress against the world, built on shared secrets, laughter, and an unbreakable sense of kinship. When she was just a baby, her family moved to Santa Ana, California—a place that would become the backdrop for many of her life's milestones. As a young woman, Margaret finished high school by the 10th grade, a common practice of the time, and soon after, at the tender age of 20, she met Don Salsbury, the man who would become the father of her first child, Larry. Their meeting, through the introduction of her cousin Johnny at the Pretzel Factory where she worked, was the beginning of her journey into motherhood. Tragically, Don passed away when Larry was only six months old, leaving Margaret a young widow with a baby boy to raise on her own. But fate had more in store for Margaret. While working in a laundry with her sister Sadie, she met George Morgan, a man who would become a beloved stepfather to Larry and her husband for many years. Married in 1939, they would go on to have five more children: Robert Allen, George Charles Jr., David Fred, Roger William, and Dorinda Clara. Their family was completed with the birth of Sue Beth, who sadly passed at birth. Margaret's life was marked not only by her roles as a mother and wife but also through her industrious work ethic. She spent many years contributing her skills to the electronics industry, with stints at Hughes Aircraft, IDC, and Exelon. Her hands, so adept at mothering, were equally skilled at the precise tasks of wiring and soldering. The year 1976 saw Margaret and George moving to Red Bluff to embrace retirement, settling into a home that symbolized their hard work and dreams. Yet, this period also brought sorrow, with the passing of her son Bob and, later, George. Through these losses, Margaret's strength never wavered—she was the kind of woman who faced life's cruelties with grace and an open heart… Margaret found love again, first with Charlie Knapp and then with Ed Leger, whom she met at a dance and married in 2000. Her love for dancing was more than just a hobby—it was her elixir for longevity, her joy, and her connection to the world. Her participation in ballroom dancing groups like Belles & Beaus brought her immense happiness, and she shared that joy in performances at convalescent homes and parades, with her son Roger often by her side. The Tennessee Waltz was not just a tune for Margaret; it was the rhythm of her heart. She was the elegant lady out there on the dance floor that all the gentlemen wanted to dance with… Margaret’s home, when younger, was always alive with the sound of music and the patter of feet, as she and her sisters would host dances, their laughter and energy filling the room. And when the music stopped, and the guests had left, it was Margaret who remained the life of the party, her spirit undimmed by the work that lay ahead. Margaret's contributions to her community were recognized in 1958 when she was named Mother of the Year in Torrance—a title that barely scratched the surface of what she meant to those around her. Her talents in the kitchen were legendary; her pecan pies and passion cakes were the centerpieces of countless celebrations. Her baking was more than just a treat; it was a token of love, a symbol of the sweetness she brought to life. As the matriarch of a large and loving family, Margaret instilled values that would ripple through generations. She taught us kindness, the importance of enjoying life, and to cherish time with loved ones. Her wisdom was our guiding light, her support our anchor, and her respect and positivity our inheritance. Margaret's later years were filled with the simple joys of collecting dolls, creating ceramics, sewing, and delighting in the company of friends at luncheons and dances. Yet, even as she relished these moments, she never stopped missing those who had passed before her. We stand here today, hearts heavy with loss but also brimming with love for a woman who was a pillar of strength, a beacon of joy, and the epitome of love and forgiveness. She lived a life that stretched across a century, touching countless hearts and leaving an indelible mark on her world. Margaret lived independently until she was 98, a testament to her fierce independence and vitality. In the twilight of her life, she found comfort and care with her son Roger in Redding, where she spent her final years. On March 27, 2014, Margaret left us as quietly and peacefully as she had lived, ready to reunite with her parents, sisters, and lost loved ones. Her passing, though sudden, came after years of her preparing us for this moment, teaching us to be strong in the face of goodbye. If we could have just five more minutes with Margaret, we would envelop her in our love, share stories filled with laughter, and thank her for the legacy she has left us. We would tell her that her memory will be cherished, her lessons upheld, and her presence sorely missed. Margaret Fern Brasington, our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, your dance through life was a waltz of beauty, resilience, and grace. We will hold you in our hearts until we meet again in that grand ballroom in the sky. Thank you for every moment, every dance, every piece of wisdom. We love you, we honor you, and we will carry your spirit with us forever. Rest in peace, dear Margaret. |