Margarete "Maggie" Cantrall
Margarete "Maggie" Cantrall
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January 25, 2010
No one ever had a greater love for literature than Mrs. Cantrall, nor passed that love to others more effectively. Now she writes poetry for the angels.
Joe Seely, Chicago, IL, DGN Class of '73
Ruth Koval
November 13, 2009
I had Mrs. Cantrall for English class at Downers Grove High School. She was an excellent teacher and a truly wonderful person. I still remember some of the assignments and can hear her reading Shakespeare to us—it had so much more meaning when she read it. I have thought of her often over the years.
With deepest sympathy to her family.
Edward Vertuno
November 2, 2009
It was my privilege to teach at Downers Grove North HS from 1959-1966 uder the leadership of Maggie Cantrell in the English Dept. What a leader? Professional, inspirational, in tune with her faculty, she was a model for us all: while teaching and later when we moved on into administration. I still miss her.
Chuck Hitzemann
November 1, 2009
Mrs. Cantrell was a gem at DGHS. I was blessed to have her as my senior English teacher. When I couldn't understand Shakespearian English, she told me privately I would have a fulfilling life without William S. I was so thankful and she was right. Her advice to read every theme, letter, article from back to front before sending or publishing has been a beneficial practice for decades. Thanks, Mrs. Cantrell. You were an ace.
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Gini (Wasmer) Barney
October 30, 2009
Maggie Cantrall was the epitome of graciousness and quiet strength. She was blessed with a gift of hospitality that caused all who entered her home to feel like part of her family. I still remember when I met Maggie during my first year of teaching at DGN. Her wisdom and the kindness she poured out upon a new teacher will never be forgotten. Thank you Maggie, for all you have done. My prayers extend to the family and to all those who are experiencing a heart ache at your passing.
Molly Neff Elliott
October 29, 2009
Mrs. Cantrall was a cherished English teacher and literary magazine sponsor. I will always remember how she made us separate the ornaments by color in order to decorate her Christmas tree in a balanced fashion. My husband still hasn't forgiven her:)
Carol Kania Morency
October 29, 2009
I was on the staff of the Northwind literary magazine at DGN under Mrs. Cantrall's leadership and was one of the many, many students she inspired to embrace the world of reading and books.
She gave me one of the best pieces of advice ever. She told me not to get married until I had read "Jude the Obscure." Thanks, Maggie, for your scholarship, your sense of fun, and your belief in people.
Marti Sladek
October 28, 2009
I met Maggie twice this summer when she read some of her poems at Fairview Village review. Then we spoke at length. What an inspiration. What a talent. What a gift to have known her even if only for a little while!
Christine Todd
October 27, 2009
Although I ate the first bagel I ever had at one of her brilliant Halloween parties and learned just about everything I know about writing because of her kind and wise counsel, I didn't realize Maggie's true impact on my life until I went to London three years ago and discovered I didn't need a map because I already knew where everything was.
Maggie, thanks for showing me where the important things are.
Susan Matt
October 26, 2009
Maggie Cantrall was a family institution and tradition. She taught me, my sister, my best friend, and so many in our circle. She taught us how to read Macbeth, guided us as we wrote for Northwind, made us appreciate old books as we helped her shelve hers. She was generous, warm, and wise. I will miss her.
Gail Jaroski
October 26, 2009
Maggie, your elegance, your kindness and your intellect enriched us all. You will be missed, dear sage.
from The Old Broads' Club
Patti Palmer Thomas
October 26, 2009
Maggie was never my Engligh teacher at DGHS North, but I worked on the literary magazine and thus she taught me how to write--she was a brilliant writing teacher, that's for sure. The other thing that amazed and impressed me was the number and variety of Christmas cookies she made and displayed in clear glass cannisters in her dining room during the holidays. She inspired me to imitate her method, and for many years my cookies, like hers, became part of my holiday decorations (until I moved to New Orleans where it was too hot for that in December). Those impromptu cookie parties during the Christmas break, with several students munching and talking literature with Maggie, will remain a cherished part of my high school experience.
Camille Balla
October 26, 2009
I met Maggie when she taught "Fun with Poetry," a class I took at College of Du Page. She pointed me to Illinois State Poetry Society and Poets and Patrons where today I am a member of both groups. I don't think there has been a meeting at ISPS where she didn't continue to encourage me. That was her special gift and she was always so pleasant. I missed seeing her at our last meeting of ISPS. I will always remember Maggie Cantrall and her poems of birds, feathers, and geese.
Michael (M.J.) Ferrantino
October 26, 2009
I knew Ms. Cantrall through Book Club and the Northwind (1973-76). She was a great influence on me and many people during that period of time, and helped to encourage in all of us an appreciation for the written and spoken word, and that it be used both graciously and responsibly. I especially remember her kind intervention during her time as Assistant Principal when an "alternate" student publication I was involved with overstepped the bounds of good taste.
Greetings and thanks also to Ms. Carithers who I see has signed the book as well.
Rebecca
October 25, 2009
Maggie was an inspiration to so many who passed through the hallways of Downers North.
Thoughts and prayers go out to her family and all of us who she touched through the years....
Jack Krueger
October 24, 2009
I will miss you Maggie. You did so much for me when I first came to North. You are the Best...Jack Krueger
Catherine
October 24, 2009
Mrs. Cantrall was my English teacher at DGN. She was (as others have said) a true inspiration to me and many of her students. As a teacher, she fostered and nurtured a love of literature and learning but also a love and respect of life. I hope her family finds comfort in knowing how many lives she deeply touched.
Gerry Srbeny
October 24, 2009
Becky,
You have my sincere condolences. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Janet Kettner
October 23, 2009
I first met Maggie when I was on and off dating her son. Together they set me up with my Jim now husband of 41 years. I love remembering at Christmas Maggie would have a tree decorating party with all her young school friends. I was treated like family and Maggie was a Mom to me. She accepted Jim and me with all our quirks and loved us as we were. All our love to you. Janet and Jim Kettner
From the Staff of Toon Funeral Home
October 23, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Alan Harris
October 23, 2009
Maggie's poems were insightful and often humorous. She did a great deal of work for the cause of poetry while she was a member of the Illinois State Poetry Society, including chairing the Manningham Contest for youths. Maggie and her poetry have been loved, and she will certainly be missed.
Beth Staas
October 23, 2009
It was my honor to succeed Maggie as president of Poets and Patrons in Chicago. Her staunch dedication to the world of poetry will continue as my guide. We always rise on the shoulders of those who came before. Her love of language will linger for years to come.
Patricia Bartlett Emslie
October 23, 2009
Mrs. Cantrall was my English teacher at DGN, and it was because of her that I went on to major in English in College. She was a wonderful, inspiring teacher. My thoughts are with her family today.
Lonnie Srbeny
October 23, 2009
Maggie loved her books. I remember how impressed I was the first time I saw her collection. Maggie knew how to "do" Christmas. She knew her antiques and she was always willing to share her knowledge and appreciation of the "finer things". She was generous with her knowledge, as with all great teachers. That will insure that a part of Maggie will carry on in all the many lives she's touched and influenced.
p.s. ...and I hope she forgives any grammatical errors
Judy Carithers
October 22, 2009
My dear mentor, colleague, and friend of 47 years, you will be missed. Your wit, good sense, generosity and ability to sleep undetected through boring meetings inspired us all. Wherever you are, I hope you get to meet Shakespeare and Jane.
Laurie Cashman
October 22, 2009
Mrs. Cantrell was my high school Emglish teacher in the mid 70s. She inspired me to continue writing and studying English literature. She was one of the best teachers I have ever studied under. My thoughts are with her family today.
October 22, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. May God's Word bring you added comfort.
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