Margaret Mary Palmquist

Margaret Mary Palmquist"We shall steer safely through every storm so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God."St. Francis de SalesMargaret Mary Palmquist (Weyrens) died Wednesday the 8th of April in Tacoma. She was surrounded by her family as she passed peacefully into God's arms. Her mind was sharp, but her body was falling apart and it robbed her of choices. That was tough to handle for a woman who lived to make other people happy. She lived to give and woke up each morning with others on her mind. She was especially devoted to her grandchildren, who all have fond memories of her giving spirit. She shared her love of painting with the grandchildren, holding court at her dining room table or on a picnic table by the beach with art supplies in abundance. Despite failing health she continued to paint up to a week before her passing. Her paintings adorn many walls in the homes of her children, grandchildren and friends.She raised eight kids, worked the graveyard shift as an RN for the better part of 40 years and was a loving partner of 53-plus years to her husband, Joseph, who preceded her in death in 2007. With eight children and a full-time job, being organized was essential. Growing up, we didn't have Mondays, Tuesdays, etc. We had days named after chores and meals. Thursday was strip day and all nine beds were stripped and laundered. Saturday was hamburger day. Sunday was church day. Everyone was part of Mom's master schedule. Nothing was written down, but we all knew the rules. Mom could be dog tired, but she stuck to the schedule. And she always found time to make cookies.Our sweet, sweet mother was notoriously tough, but always understated her toughness. She was given her last rites at the age of 54 and pulled through like a champion. At age 71, she fell out of an RV that was traveling at 60 miles per hour. The accident required extended hospital time and rehab, but she never lost her enthusiasm for life. Through medical procedures and heartbreak, her concern was always with others. She made friends wherever she went. She spent the last few years as part of the Life Manor Assisted Living community and she had many companions there who were always up for a game of Rumikub or just having coffee. She loved her coffee! As one resident remembers-she had a gracious heart and a mischievous spirit for saying and doing whatever she wanted!Born in 1928 in St. Cloud, MN to Peter and Julia Weyrens, she grew up in a loving family with four sisters and three brothers. Margaret received a Nursing Degree from St. Cloud State College in 1949. She married Joseph S. Palmquist of Hibbing, Minn., in 1953. Mom and Dad started the family of eight in 1954 and due to his work with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the family moved from Sandstone, Minn., to Arvada, Colo; Leavenworth, Kan.; McNeil Island, Wash., and back to Leavenworth before retiring in Tacoma.Her nursing career spanned several hospitals including St. Cloud State College Hospital as well as Pine County General in Sandstone, Minnesota. She worked in the new born nursery as well as geriatrics and pediatrics. In Washington, she worked at Lakewood General and St. Claire's until her retirement. Mom was a very spiritual woman and was particularly devoted to Mary our Mother. For years she worked on the funeral committee and was a member of the Legion of Mary. In her later years, she loved going to the theater with her friends and was always up for a good game of cards. And coffee! Margaret is survived by her eight children: Stan (Diane) Palmquist of Tacoma; Peg (Gary) Melhaff of Olympia; Robert (Robyn) Palmquist of Loon Lake, Wash.; Kathy (Brent) Keck of Everett; Joe (Laurie) Palmquist of Loon Lake; Virginia (George) Brewer of University Place; Mary (Michael) Cranstoun of Maple Valley; and Marta (Brad) Cady of Tacoma. She is also survived by her 25 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by brothers Jim (Peg) Weyrens of Minneapolis; Jack (Kate) Weyrens of Minneapolis; and sister Barbara (Jim) Sura of Big Fork, Minn. A funeral mass for Margaret will be April 24 at 11 a.m. St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish (7112 South 12th Street in Tacoma). Interment will be beside her husband, Joseph, at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash.Please sign online guest book (link above).