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Margo Shoys

1946 - 2025

Margo Shoys obituary, 1946-2025, Middleton, WI

BORN

1946

DIED

2025

Margo Shoys Obituary

Margo Williams Shoys passed away peacefully at Agrace hospice in Madison on October 4, 2025. Margo was born in Racine, Wis. on October 13, 1946 to Oliver Hulett Williams and Geraldine Callender Williams.

Margo's close family consists of her husband, Michael; daughter, Sara Shoys, Madison, (Finn Green); son, Peter Shoys (Karmen Swenson Shoys); and granddaughter, Quinn Autumn Shoys Waunakee; and brother, Hugh David Williams and sister-in-law, Sarah Jerome Williams, Lake Geneva. Margo also has several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews, and several cousins.

Margo attended Washington Park HS in Racine and went on to get a degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After completing her degree at UW, Margo joined her husband-to-be Michael in Hawaii where he was serving in the US Navy. Margo worked in advertising in Honolulu. Michael and Margo were then transferred to the Naval Station in Long Beach, CA. Between duty stations, Margo and Michael got married on January 3, 1970 in Racine.

In 1972, Margo and Michael moved to Groton CT where Michael served in the Seabees at the Naval Submarine Base. Margo was excited to land a job at WICH radio in Norwich, CT where she became the first female on-air talent, doing news, weather and public service announcements. Sara was born at the Naval Base in Groton. In 1974, Margo and Michael then moved to Bloomington, IN where Peter was born.

In 1978, the family moved to Middleton, WI where they made their home. Margo spent their early years in Middleton raising the kids and a few Labradors. Once the kids were in school, Margo got a job at WMTV Channel 15 in Madison, first as a camera operator and then in the Traffic Department. Following that, she worked for over 15 years as a merchandising manager for Hallmark where her team, made up of primarily retirees, maintained Hallmark displays in area stores.

Margo was a great cook having learned the skills from her mother and grandmother. She loved hosting family gatherings. Holiday and birthday meals in Middleton or with her brother's family were special occasions, with abundant food lovingly prepared by Margo. There were always requests for her specialties; crab dip, deviled eggs, English Muffin Bread and pies. Her favorite comfort foods were veal stew and dumplings (although she lamented about the 'little veals'), meatloaf and turkey with the fixings, and ironically, her famous funeral bars.

Margo also enjoyed reading and her monthly 'Bookies' coffees, and always had a crossword or sudoku on hand. Margo's close friends have told us how thoughtful and caring she was, particularly with new neighbors, whom she often greeted with a fresh loaf of English Muffin Bread and stickers for the kids. She also treasured the time she could spend with her children, granddaughter Quinn, nieces and nephews, brother and sister-in-law, and a bevy of dogs.

She and Michael traveled extensively, but her favorite place in the world was their cabin in Eagle River. She would often spend extended time at the cabin in the summer, reading and cooking, watching the birds and deer and enjoying the lake views. Before she passed her one hope was to get to Eagle River one more time, and she made it twice.

Margo was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in early 2025, and while undergoing treatment was further diagnosed with kidney failure. The family thanks the caring professional teams at UW Hospital, the Carbone Center, Meriter Hospital and Agrace. The nurses and staff were all Angels of Mercy.

Memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society, Vilas County Humane Society, or Agrace.

A celebration of life will be held in the near future.
Published by Madison.com on Oct. 9, 2025.

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Julie Helf

October 10, 2025

Shoys family,
I am so saddened to hear of Margo´s passing...we got to know one another through our daughters...I so remember her smile, kindness and sense of humor....the world will miss her
RIP Margo
Love to all of you as you mourn her void in your lives
Julie Helf

Page Ciordia

October 10, 2025

I send my sympathies to you and your family for your loss of our beautiful Margo. Margo and I met in 1972 while our husbands were in the Navy. It was an immediate connection which we maintained through so many years. We made it a priority to keep up with each other through numerous visits. One of our crazier times together was when Margo joined me in Grand Cayman to help me chaperone eight 18 year old high school graduates. Her incredible sense of humor was invaluable during that week. One night she insisted that we go down to the beach where we watched an amazing lightening show offshore. Margo had such an appreciation for the world and its beauty.
I will miss you Margo. You were an unforgettable part of my life. Much love, Page Ciordia, Waxhaw, NC

Rick Ciordia

October 9, 2025

I first met Margo in the mid 80s but thought I knew her from the descriptions my wife, Page, had told me about her. I remember it well....walking into an out door cafe in Key West. She and Michael became instant friends. Turns out, Page had under described her! We have had many laughs together on several trips. She was a special lady and will be missed by her other friends and family. We were able to see her in Florida in February, and she tried to maintain her personality despite her health difficulties. She will always hold a bright spot in our hearts! God bless her and her family. With love, Rick Ciordia, Waxhaw, NC

Jeff Schuetz

October 9, 2025

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Margo was one of the kindest people I've known and it was clear that she always put others before herself. I hope a lifetime full of amazing memories offers solace during this difficult time.

Art & Lorraine Simmons

October 9, 2025

We are saddened and extend our deepest sympathy for your family's loss of dear Margo. We will carry memories of her sense of humor and infectious smile in our hearts. She will be in our prayers. Love, Art & Lorraine Simmons

Bill Schultz

October 9, 2025

My wife and I met Margo through my business relationship with husband Mike. We enjoyed the opportunities we were blessed with to do things socially with her and Mike. We pray for your comfort at this difficult time.

Sam & Mary Paz Rogers

October 9, 2025

Rest in Peace Margo, we miss you, with love!

Connie Burmeister

October 9, 2025

Margo has been a dear friend since high school. Over the years we have frequently apologized to each other for our choices of bridesmaid dresses. Trips to Bob´s little Eagle River cabin were fun but I think Margo did a certain amount of cleaning before the rest of us even realized what room she was in. It was quite a shock to me to realize that Margo´s room at Agrace was the same one that Wayne was in 6 years ago. He did love and appreciate her apple pies. My sincere condolences.

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