Ruth Elston Magargee

Ruth Elston Magargee, of Devon, died peacefully on Christmas Day at the age of 96. The wife of the late Leonard F. Magargee and devoted mother of Leonard F. Jr, Stephen H, David E, and Nancy Gregory, she is also survived by her sister Emilie Gallagher, seven grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren. "Gammy" will be remembered by her large, loving family for her zest for life - her energy, enthusiasm, and impressive work ethic. After her children were raised, she turned to her life-long love of fashion, starting what would become a 10-year professional modeling career with the Philadelphia Models Guild. Then she moved onto sales, first at Natalie Collett - later Nan Duskin - where she dressed some of the Main Line's most fashionable women. She was recognized for her ability to identify the styles most flattering to these women, building a "book" of loyal clients, many of whom followed her to Bloomingdale's where she was employed for almost two decades after the closure of Nan Duskin. She never considered retirement; her 90th birthday began with a celebration at a staff meeting before the working day began at Bloomies on April 14, 2006. When she wasn't working, she enjoyed travel - she loved Paris - gardening and needlepoint, completing almost two dozen individually-designed Christmas stockings for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. But she was happiest celebrating important family moments, never missing a holiday, a birthday, or a wedding where her joyous exuberance and style were central to the event. An optimist by nature, she never looked back; instead she embraced the changes that the years brought, assuring close relationships with friends and family of every generation. A service in commemoration of her remarkable life will be observed on Saturday, January 5th, at 11 AM in the Chapel of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 625 Montgomery Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 1701 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19123 Chadwick & McKinney Funeral Home Inc www.chadwickmckinney.com