Margaret Westbrook

Margaret W. Westbrook PORTSMOUTH - Margaret Wiersdorf Westbrook, 88, of Warwick Street, loving wife of William B. Westbrook for nearly 67 years, passed away Dec. 5, 2008, in Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. She was the daughter of the late Julian Pace and Louise Smith Wiersdorf, and was also predeceased by a sister, Anne Pace Hamblin. Margaret was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and attended Kee's Business School. She clerked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. She was a member for more than 60 years at First Presbyterian Church, Portsmouth and a member of more than 50 years of the Xi Beta Beta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She served her city as an elections' officer for many years. Margaret was an accomplished creator of hand-knitted clothing and afghans. Survivors include one daughter, Kendall Rhodes and husband Carl of Portsmouth; two grandsons, Maj. Carl "Trey" Rhodes III, currently serving in Iraq, and his wife Theresa of Elizabethtown, Ky., and William Taylor Rhodes and wife Kerri of Richmond; four grandchildren, Taylor, Carson, Blair and Lily Rhodes; a sister-in-law, Bettie Cole Holland of Williamsburg; and nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Thomas Harrington and Dr. Robert Accettola for their devoted care to Margaret over many years. A funeral will be conducted Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Snellings Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel, with the Rev. Dr. George Oehler officiating. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the funeral home Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in her memory to First Presbyterian Church, 515 Court St., Portsmouth, VA 23704 or The Ambassador Club Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 7368, Portsmouth, VA 23707.