Margaret B. MacArthur

Margaret B. MacArthur Margie as she was affectionately called passed away peacefully February 18, 2011 surrounded by her beloved family. Her attitude and advice were timeless and her age when asked was always "29 and holding!" She was born in Duluth, Minnesota January 3, 1915 of French and Norwegian parentage, the youngest of three sisters. Margie spent the early years in Minneapolis where she "drove" her parent's RIO electric car at age 5, an indication that she was always ahead of her time. After attending the University of North Dakota and being a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority, she left after her junior year to work as a legal secretary in Detroit, Michigan to help her family financially. She later married and had two children; J. Douglas MacArthur (deceased) and Jeanne E. MacLeamy (Novato, CA) and spent many memorable years in Lake Fenton and Flint, Michigan. She was a terrific mom and homemaker, a school and neighborhood volunteer, a Cub Scout den mother, a Sunday school teacher and a member of P.E.O. and the local music society and institute. After Margie's children were off to college, she had a successful 20 year career teaching piano in Flint where she had a profoundly positive influence on many other children's lives. She was also an avid gardener, making her home and garden a beautiful setting for gracious entertaining. In 1988, she followed her children to California and lived in Oakmont, Santa Rosa. There she was an active member of her homeowner's association, avid golfer, croquet player and participant in many family vacations and events. Her home for the last 5 years was near Jeanne at AlmaVia of San Rafael. Margie had a strong moral compass, was a cheerleader and motivator to all to accomplish their potential and was an elegant, generous, strong, humorous, outspoken lady who put family above all. She was predeceased by her beloved son Doug, and leaves behind her devoted family, daughter Jeanne, son-in-law Patrick E. MacLeamy and daughter-in-law Linda MacArthur, grandchildren Elisabeth Leamy Persinger (Kris Persinger), Patrick D. MacLeamy (Jen MacLeamy), Bonnie and Laura MacArthur, nieces Renee-Mollan Masters and Candace Young Frary and great grandchildren Kelsea Persinger and a MacLeamy baby-to-be who continues the "circle of life." A "Celebration of Margie's Wonderful Life" was held for family and close friends and another for her AlmaVia "family." In honor of Margie who loved teaching children, "The Margaret B. MacArthur Endowment Fund for Financial Aid" has been established at Saint Mark's School, San Rafael, CA.