Margaret Anne Baumhardt

Margaret Anne Baumhardt (née Schutz), affectionately known as Marge, Margy, or Marbie, passed away peacefully at Shorepoint Hospital in Punta Gorda, FL, on May 11, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 2, 1924, in Evanston, IL, Margaret lived a full and vibrant life, reaching the remarkable age of 99.
Margaret is survived by her sister Mary Smoot, her daughters Suzanne (Sue) Miller and Sarah Oakley, and her granddaughters Elizabeth Oakley (her Froggie), Shelley Leatherwood, and Lauren Leatherwood. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter Linda Leatherwood, her parents Elizabeth and George Schutz, her spouse George Baumhardt, and her siblings Jerry Schutz, Joni Wirth, Stephen Schutz, Jim Schutz, and Elizabeth (Betty) Meves.
One of Margaret's most notable life adventures was her daring journey in 1967 when she and her family traveled down the Mississippi River and across the Gulf of Mexico, relocating from Chicago to Charlotte Harbor via boat. Despite facing perilous conditions, Margaret's resilience shone through, and she often remarked that every day after that trip was a blessing.
A dedicated volunteer at the Port Charlotte Library located at the Cultural Center for over 30 years and a member of Sacred Heart Church in Punta Gorda, Margaret was a devoted Catholic throughout her life. She fondly referred to the well water in Punta Gorda as the "fountain of youth," crediting it for her longevity despite its later-discovered radioactivity. Her unique egg coffee, famous for never turning bitter, even earned her a feature in the local newspaper.
Margaret grew up in Evanston, IL, graduating from Evanston Township High School, where she excelled in reading and French. She began her career at Lloyd Hollister Publishing Company and continued to work various jobs, fueled by a love for learning. Her passion for literature was evident in her lifelong association with libraries and her teenage habit of writing poetry on her bedroom walls.
Margaret enjoyed many hobbies, including swimming, roller skating, reading, and watching movies and TV shows. An avid fan of Agatha Christie, she delighted in watching Miss Marple and Poirot repeatedly. Her favorite movie was Gone with the Wind. An animal lover, she always fed the birds, raccoons, squirrels, and any stray cats that came her way, often having a cat as a pet. She was also deeply interested in alternative medicine and was known for her knowledge of herbs and natural remedies.
Margaret was a kind, resilient and generous soul, always ready to lend a hand or a sympathetic ear. Her unwavering faith and inner strength carried her through life's challenges, and she rarely succumbed to despair.
A celebration of life event will be held in honor of Margaret's 100th birthday on December 2, 2024, with the location to be determined.
Margaret's legacy of love, strength, generosity and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be dearly missed
Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory