Margaret Josephine "Maggie" Wise

1933 - 2025

Margaret "Maggie" Josephine Winkler Wise, 92, most recently of Monroe, Washington, was born in the afternoon "just in time for tea" on March 16, 1933 in Alpine, Texas to Walter (Godlewski) and Mary Ella (Tolleson) Winkler, the 4th of 5 children whom her parents raised together. When Margaret was 11 years old they moved to Northern California, where she lived until she met and married Marvin Wise when she was 24. She and Marvin returned to their home state of Texas where they lived for more than 60 years, primarily in Big Spring. After Marvin died in 2020, Margaret moved to the Seattle area to be cared for by her youngest daughter Monette with wife Bronwyn and her family. In her final year Margaret was supported by Hospice and Brookdale Assisted Living. She died of a tired body (but not a tired mind) on July 26, 2025.

Margaret had a diminutive stature but a strong, feisty - at times fiery - personality. She enjoyed music and dance, and played piano and an upright bass fiddle in her high school orchestra (it was so much taller than she was that she had to stand on a stool to play it!). She showed a soft spot for animals, rescuing and sheltering cats, dogs, a fox, and even a skunk. San Francisco was her favorite place on earth, and throughout her life she recounted stories to anyone who would listen about her escapades there (centered especially around all her suitors). Margaret and Marvin loved dominoes and card games. She participated in many a Canasta tournament over the years, with fellow players at the Big Spring (Texas) Senior Center, the Monroe (Washington) Senior Center, and at home with family and friends. She loved to decorate for every occasion, and wore festive clothes and jewelry to match. Margaret will be remembered for her colorful outfits, her life and times in California, and her uncensored talk.

Margaret had an admirable work ethic. After she graduated high school in 1951, she worked in a podiatrist's office in Petaluma, California. In Denton, Texas she served as church secretary; in Big Spring she owned and operated The Playhouse daycare center, worked as Executive Secretary for Fiberflex and OIL, sold radio ads, and after retirement became a substitute teacher.

Margaret is survived by her eldest daughter Mariella & husband Jim of Birmingham, Alabama; son Morgan & wife Beverly of Big Spring, Texas; daughter Monette & wife Bronwyn of Seattle, Washington; grandkids Rachel (Jordan), Alex (Danielle), and Carli (Jay); grandkitties Bean and Snow; and great-grandkids Dacion, Bella, and Olive. She is also survived by her younger sister Beth of San Angelo, Texas; nieces, nephews, and cousins across the country; and her beloved "bonus caregivers" Laura and Karma.

Margaret's ashes will be spread in the Pacific NW. No public service will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to:
- Happy Day Humane Society, 5710 W Interstate 20, PO Box 2009, Big Spring, TX 79721
telephone +1 432-267-7832
https://www.hcths.org/contact.html
- Bristol Hospice, 12625 4th Ave W Suite 203, Everett, WA 98204
telephone +1 425-521-6939
https://bristolhospice.com/location/bristol-hospice-everett/