Margaret M. Krick

Following a full life of 95 years, Margaret (Pudge) Maltezos Mitchell Krick left her earthly home peacefully on January 21, 2025. She was born on October 9, 1929 in Fall River, Massachusetts of Greek and Scot blood, the daughter of Alexander C. Maltezos and Margaret Chisnell Maltezos. Pudge was the youngest of seven children; sister to Cleopatra, Isabel, Stamos, George, Alexander, and Paul. She bore five children in seven years, and was mother or "Smudge" to Lynn Mitchell, Joan Brackmann, John Mitchell, Kathleen Schaper, Christine Mitchell, and her son Steve Krick (Jeanie) who she happily acquired when she fell in love with, and married William F. Krick in 1979. Pudge was also "Nanie" to thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.
She was a self-acknowledged tomboy growing up. "Boys were more fun. I always wanted to run with them, rather than play with dolls," she often said. Brothers George and Alex gladly indulged her desires, dragging their 'guinea pig' along during their many fun, sometimes shady adventures. Pudge was an original fashionista, often 'feminizing' boys' clothing, and setting trends and fads that were widely adopted in high school.
Her acquired childhood toughness, intuition, and inherent good taste paid off when she found herself raising five somewhat wild, often mischievous children, and searching for employment at a time when divorce and single moms were scarce, and generally looked down upon. After a disastrous experience peddling car wash machines, and a short boring stint selling insurance, Pudge found her niche in a lucrative career selling real estate. She was a natural, and her many ties to the community an asset.
Pudge was comfortable with herself and enjoyed time alone, but she was also a social bug, making and enjoying many friends throughout her life, and up for any adventure. Pudge was involved with several clubs and charitable organizations during the sixty-three years she lived in Glen Ellyn. She and Bill were members of the First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn, and Pudge's volunteer activities led her to active involvement with Girl Scouts, Village Theatre Guild, Family Shelter Service, the Marianjoy Rehabilitation Center Auxiliary, and many more.
Pudge had a long love affair with golf, and her natural athleticism served her well. She played most of her life with a handicap in the low 20s, and she enjoyed her involvement in the Women's Auxiliary Golf Program at Glen Oak Country Club; organizing events, writing skits, and fully participating in the annual Women's Square-Off golf tournament. Her hole-in-one was a highlight, but Pudge's crowning achievement was assuming the throne as Queen of the annual Women's Square Off at age 83, setting a new club record for the oldest woman to win the tournament, and shattering the previous one.
It's difficult to fit 95 years of dynamo in a few short paragraphs, but her legacy will live on in the hearts, memories, and stories of her loving family.
Pudge's family and friends will memorialize her life Friday, May 16, 2025 at 11:00 am with a church service at the First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn.