Margaret A. McPhee

1940 - 2018

On Thursday November 29, Margaret A. McPhee, loving mother of Jamie McPhee and widow of Ryan McPhee, passed away at age 78 holding her daughters hand. Maggie was born on September 10, 1940 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin to Loretta and Orville DuBois. The youngest of four siblings, Jim, Mary Jean and David, she was spirited and funny, clever and curious. She graduated Mount Mary College with degrees in English and History and went on to work for the Social Security Administration both in Milwaukee and Chicago. At age 28 she met the love of her life Ryan McPhee when she brushed his jacket off at Butch McGuires in Chicago. Eight years later she gave birth to their daughter, Jamie. Best known for her signature oversized eyeglasses, sharp sense of humor, and stories that transitioned with, "at any rate..." she enjoyed picnic concerts at Ravinia, her Tai Chi class at the Botanic Gardens, and reading a novel nearly every week from the Highland Park Public Library. She was a devoted Mom, avid Green Bay Packers fan and an advocate to end corruption in the Lake County school system. She loved the drive from Malibu to San Francisco, walks in downtown New York City, the lakes of Northern Wisconsin and the flea markets of Paris. She was a true original and everyone who ever met her was delighted to call her a friend. Maggie is survived by her daughter Jamie, her son-in-law PJ Ransone, along with her sister-in-law's Margie and Marge, and all of her wonderful nieces and nephews, as well as their beautiful children. In May 2019 her first grandson will be born. A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 9, 2018 from 12:00 pm until time of memorial service 1:00 pm at Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home, 1787 Deerfield Rd. Highland Park, IL 60035. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to animal rescue organizations: Orphans of the Storm, Paws Animal Shelter or the ASPCA. For info or directions please contact Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home at 847-831-4260 or www.kelleyspald ingfuneralhome.com