Margaret Meadowcroft Challman

Margaret Meadowcroft CHALLMAN June 15, 1925 ~ May 5, 2008 A flower blossoms and, for a time, graces the earth. All too soon it fades. Yet its beauty and essence in memory lingers, leaving the world a more lovely place. Margaret Meadowcroft Challman passed away on Monday, May 5th, at the age of 82 surrounded by the love of her family and with the knowledge and joy of a life well spent. She was the daughter of Albert and Lillian Meadowcroft and the oldest of four children. Born in Seattle, she had a deep appreciation of the beauty and lifestyle afforded by the Pacific Northwest and enjoyed spending time on Bainbridge Island and the waters of Puget Sound both as a child and throughout her adult life. Margaret attended St. Nicholas School, graduating in 1943. Thereafter, she earned her teaching degree from Stanford University in 1947, while serving as President of her class and a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. After her marriage to William W. Christoffersen, the couple returned to Seattle where they raised their four children. During the years to follow, she was an active member of several philanthropic and social organizations, including: the Seattle Garden Club (Past President), the Garden Club of America (serving and recognized as a national flower show judge), the Arboretum Foundation, the Junior League of Seattle (Past President), the Minnie Fortson Kirk Guild of Children's Orthopedic Hospital (an original member since 1949), the Sunset Club, the Seattle Golf Club, and Broadmoor Golf Club. She was later remarried to Arnold T. Challman, with whom she enjoyed many adventure-filled years. Margaret's passions included golf, gardening, and entertaining. She was a seasoned traveler, an avid boater and skilled fisherwoman. She enjoyed a wide circle of friends and shared life-long friendships with many of them. Margaret was as gracious a hostess as she was a guest. All she did was accomplished with incomparable flare and style. Above all, however, her greatest triumph and joy was unquestionably her four children and the unique relationship she held with each of her seven grandchildren. She is survived by daughter Carolyn Collins of Bellevue, and sons Peter (Diana) Christoffersen of Bainbridge Island, Blake (Jane) Christoffersen of Greenville, South Carolina, and Philip (Bonnie) Christoffersen of Bainbridge Island, and grandchildren Cynthia and Andrew Collins, Hanna Christoffersen, Gavin and Daniel Christoffersen, and Taryn and Ryan Christoffersen, brother W. Howarth Meadowcroft of Tacoma and sister Jane (Jim) Robison of Walla Walla, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who were faithfully kept in her thoughts. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and her brother, Tom Meadowcroft. A memorial and celebration of her life will be planned and scheduled for a later date. Donations in her name may be made to the Arboretum Foundation, 2300 Arboretum Drive East, Seattle, WA 98112. Written remembrances would be appreciated by her children and may be sent to: The Family of Margaret Challman, 1630 43rd Avenue East, Unit 1314, Seattle, Washington 98112. The family would like to thank Dr. Jon S. Huseby for his dedicated and excellent long-term care. Also, they would like to express appreciation to the Park Shore staff and residents, many of whom were life-long friends, for providing such a caring environment where she lived her final years in happiness and contentment. Margaret's devotion to her children and grandchildren, extended family and many dear friends was extraordinary. Her memory will be cherished and she will be greatly missed.