Margaret McCole Obituary

Margaret Ann McCole

Born: January 22, 1939; in Foley, MN

Died: May 15, 2017; in Naperville, IL

Margaret "Marge" Ann McCole, longtime resident of Downers Grove, passed away at the age of 78 on Monday May 15th, 2017, at Edward Hospital in Naperville after a sudden, brief illness.

Marge was born on January 22, 1939 in Foley, MN to Anton and Josephine Balder. She graduated from Foley High School, and St. Mary's School of Practical Nursing, affiliated with the Mayo Clinic. She met her future spouse, Bernard D. McCole, a teacher from Chicago, at a dance in St. Cloud, MN. They never sat down the evening they met as they danced the night away!

She married Bernard on August 12, 1961. She was the proud mother of Shannon, Theresa, Catherine, and Ann. Marge worked as a nurse at Hinsdale Hospital, while raising her family. She was an avid gardener, seamstress, and "go to problem solver" for her daughters, grandchildren, and neighbors. Besides her family, she was loved by many; including her neighbors and church community. She gladly helped anyone in need, volunteered throughout her life for many years as a religious education teacher, and maintained a very active membership at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Downers Grove.

Marge was incredibly passionate and proud of her family. She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Shannon McCole, mother to grandsons, Aidan and Ethan; daughter, Theresa (Peter Karutz), mother to granddaughters, Victoria and Carolyn; daughter, Catherine (Hugo Chavez), mother to grandson, Kevin; and Ann (Steve Sargautis), mother to granddaughter, Eva.

Her husband Bernard preceded her in death by 10 years.

Marge took pleasure in solving problems that any family member, friend or neighbor may encounter, such as hemming their curtains, altering their clothes or passing on the many tomato plants that she grew in her garden. She did simple things with great love.

She was extraordinarily resourceful, even when resources were scarce. She was a true environmentalist way before it was in vogue. She could recycle, reuse, and repurpose anything. She could have written a book on how to live on near nothing, yet make a fortune.

Marge will live forever in the hearts and souls of her daughters, grandchildren, family and friends.

Memorial Mass was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 20, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4801 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, or to the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515.