Margaret R Mitchell

Margaret R. Mitchell died March 2,  2008 at her daughter?s home  in Prescott, Arizona. She was born October 29, 1924 in Quinnesec, Michigan to Marcelle and Exlida (Legault) Rousseau. Margaret was 83 years old. Margaret, ?Maggie?, ?Marge the Sarge?, no matter what name or nick name, she will be remembered by many as their ?best friend.? She always had a large smile on her face and a jig in her step as she set out to conquer life; be it her years with the United States Navy or her many endeavors in her retirement years here in Prescott. Margaret was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, serving as president of the Clarets, a Eucharistic minister, choir member, reader or doing anything asked of her. She was also a member of American Legion Post # 6 and a member of their Honor Detail;  a bowling league, was a Lioness and active with the  St. Vincent DePaul Society.   Margaret is survived by her children; Nannette (Lewis M. Johnson IV), Gregory and Paula Oatley; brother, Robert (Judy) Rousseau; 4 grandchildren, and one great grand child.                                            ~~~~~~~~~~   Margaret Mitchell, my beautiful, effervescent, amazing Mom has been serving others with her gifts of kindness, generosity and encouragement since before I was born.   Immediately after high school she enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve her country and fellow officers. That service and love of people led her into the medical profession where, for years, she was the first smiling face to warmly greet you upon entering Dr. Oblejohn?s office. When I was in elementary school, she would donn a clean white uniform, a matching starched hat that she wore perched on top of her head, and bright colored lipstick. Daily she went from office assistant to a makeshift Nurse?s aide and back again. She was called to assist in minor and major emergencies back in the days when they actually stitched you up in the doctor?s office or delivered your baby. My mom was the calm in the storm, the handholder for multitudes.   In junior high, I remember her two years of service as president for the city of Orange?s Chamber of Commerce. She also served as chaperon to ?Miss Orange? and ?Miss California,? escorting them to local and state beauty pageants. Alongside her paid employment and copious service to the community, she successfully raised three children into healthy, independent and competent adults, with the same kindness, generosity and encouragement. She was my most vocal cheerleader and she gave me the  precious gift of a strong sense of self from childhood onward.   Wherever Margaret has lived, she has been a driving force behind untold committees and clubs. She has served in multiple social service organizations that include: for profit, non-profits, charities, food drives, street fairs, church committees, choirs, pancake breakfasts, fashion shows, dance recitals, fund raisers?you name it, she?s done it, and done it with gusto! Some are intimidated by her zeal and ?take charge? attitude, but those who really know and love her, affectionately call her, ?Marge, the Sarge.?    Throughout her life she has gone the extra mile; preparing meals, cleaning houses, transporting friends, wiping butts and noses?it doesn?t matter, she touches humanity with dignity and love.   Her fervor has never waned. Though she was slowing down, as is to be expected, she still managed 3-4 days a week to care for others. She brought strength, hope and positive emotions to so many other seniors that she cared for as a CNA and Caregiver.   Whatever her endeavors, Mom gave her all in service, in love and in joy.                                                   ~~~ When I started to think about the things I knew about you, I was amazed.  Your influence on me has shaped my life in so many ways that I truly would not have become the person I've become without it.  While I was the first and only boy, you made it clear that I would forever hold a special place in your heart, just like you do in mine.  Your love and caring for my physical, spiritual and emotional well being are evident every day. Your background and upbringing as a young girl with a large family and hard circumstances taught you the value of family, along with hard work, perserverance and compassion. That you chose a career as a nurse is not a suprise to anyone who knows you.  You care so deeply for people and see their value as individuals so clearly that it would be difficult to see you in any other kind of role.  Although you don't seem to have a problem taking on whatever task is asked of you - wife, mother, social-director, referee, security officer or friend - you handled each role with the same attitude with which you have always approached life itself. Do your best.  Find the good in whatever you do and in the people you're doing it with.  Do it right the first time.  Reach beyond what's expected and give more if you can.  It always comes back to you. The living people around you are just a small percentage of the hearts you have touched on your journey through life.  Those that are no longer with us have also been profoundly affected.  Your love for Bob is still evident after all these years.  The capacity for love, in you, remains undiminished.  This has to be your greatest strength. You have always given unselfishly and while it may not seem, at times, to have been returned, you can be sure, that both in this life, and the next, it will be rewarded beyond your expectations.  I love you, Mom.                                ~~~~~~~~~~~~   Dear Maggie,   If friends were flowers I?d pick you every day to adorn my world with your beauty and fill my senses with the fragrance of your presence. I?d relish the time you?d give me to gaze upon your smiling face and chat over coffee each day. I?d treasure each moment, each tear, each laugh and each smile. I?d love you completely and overflow with joy as I watch you blossom into the most amazing creation.   Inside you I?ve placed an even greater beauty ? hidden treasures of gold forged through pains of growth that grace you with character and wisdom. Friends will be drawn by your sweet fragrance and they?ll leave bejeweled by the treasures they gathered in your presence. And though the world may not know you, It will be touched by your beauty For the treasures that friends gathered by time spent with you will be scattered across their world. And so the world becomes more beautiful every day because you have been in it. And so My world is more beautiful each day because you, My Child, are in it.   Your Friend, Jesus   by Celeste Roberts ©2008