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Margaret Savage Obituary

Margaret (Maggie) Savage

Margaret (Maggie) Ann Savage was the adopted daughter of US Attorney Anthony Savage Sr. and Washington Pioneer Florence Barr Hopkins, and the genetic daughter of John Lewis Kaseburg and Margaret Marlow Howard.

She survived 3 spouses (Michael Reeve Moloso, Richard Dean Unrue and Sharon Hughes Wootton) and both brothers (criminal defense attorney Anthony (Tono) Savage Jr. and Canadian Olympic men's swimming coach Paul Arthur Savage). She is survived by her sister-in-law, Canadian Olympic women's swimming coach Margaret Cant Savage, her former partner Judith Lee Fogelquist, 3 children (Michael Anthony Moloseau, Mary Moloseau Goetz, and Sara Ellen Koulen) and 3 grandchildren (Margaret Rose Koulen, Gina Elizabeth Goetz and Richard Heinrich Koulen.)

The Savage family hailed from north Seattle. Maggie was a Girl Scout and a graduate of Roosevelt High School. She went on to study literature at Whitman College and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She later received a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Washington.

Maggie was musically talented, singing and playing the piano, guitar, and occasional kazoo. She early enjoyed singing at St. Albans Girl Scout summer camp. Highlights of her music career include a Whitman College production of "Guys and Dolls," the 1962 Seattle hit "Wasn't that a Mighty Day when the Needle Hit the Ground," 25 years of Folklife performances, inclusion in the UW Bob Nelson folk music archives, touring with feminist theater group The Co-Respondents to promote the Equal Rights Amendment and performing with Orcas a Cappella.

In addition to music, she was a guidance counselor at both Interlake High School in Bellevue, WA, and the UW Law school. She loved raspberry jam, homemade applesauce, and sunset colors in the trees.

In the 90's she started living her dream on Shaw Island in the San Juan Islands. The property was purchased by her father in 1946, undeveloped and unseen, from the Seattle courthouse steps. After decades of planning, saving and pounding nails, she retired to her forever home. The picture windows overlook a University of Washington biological preserve on Parks Bay. She split her time between watching birds and hosting music and writing workshops and nature retreats. She also co-authored "You Know You're in Washington When..." and "Washington: Off the Beaten Path."

She died 22 Aug 2020 after a brief illness, at the age of 84. She will be buried on Shaw Island. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the nonprofit Shaw Respect scholarship charity, PO BOX 343 Shaw Island, WA 98286.

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Published by The Seattle Times on Sep. 6, 2020.

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Karen Berge

April 4, 2021

Very sad to learn this week of Maggie’s passing. I met her in 1978 – a very special meeting, as I already knew her music from KRAB radio and from Folklife. My partner in the late ‘70s was her sound engineer, so I have wonderful memories of Maggie and Jude concerts as well as from being at each other’s houses. We also helped produce copies of their first cassette album, We Deny None of Our Changes, which includes Maggie’s incredible International Women’s Year Anthem. Maggie’s songs have carried me through difficult years and have buoyed me in good ones.

Ronnie Hoheim

December 9, 2020

Maggie was known as "Huck" for "Huckleberry" at St. Albans Girl Scout camp in the '50s. She was the favorite counselor for many of us for years. She was like Pied Piper with her infectious personality and fun song leading. Before we had words to express our appreciation of her strength as a person - she personified strength to the young girls who were lucky enough to know her.

Ronnda Cadle

September 21, 2020

Maggie was one special lady. Her laugh was contagious. She loved her Shaw Island home and the workshops for musicians and writers at her and Sharon’s home were just what a creative spirit needed. May you Rest In Peace with your loves. Your memory will always be a part of me as well as the bench overlooking the bay.

Martha Read

September 8, 2020

I only met Maggie once. She 'happened' to be there during a fraught family re-union. She did not know the details but intuited the basic plot. She asked apt questions in a helpful way. It felt like she was an angel come to help and I told her so. I wish I had known her more. I wish you blessings, Maggie. Thank you so much.

Mary Ruddick Silzel

September 8, 2020

Maggie was a Kappa sister at Whitman - we all cherish memories of the sing-alongs we shared as Maggie played the guitar or ukelele. Her original lyrics often humorously celebrated and commemorated the bonding experiences of college days. Maggie will never be forgotten!

Carolyn Farnum

September 8, 2020

Maggie was a Kappa sister of mine and such a wonderful gal. She had talent galore and I am so happy that she got to live her dream on an Island. I have a second home on Anderson Island so I know full well how happy she must have been. Rest in peace dear friend.

Emily Dingwall Easton

September 8, 2020

I followed Maggie at Whitman by a few years, so I didn't know her back in those days, but she was a legend! We all knew about her and we enjoyed her music. Since then, it has been my privilege to meet her and visit many times at Kappa reunions. What a unique treasure!

Barb Glenn

September 7, 2020

I met Maggie shortly after moving to Seattle in 1979. She was a warm, caring role model for me, a young lesbian. Maggie's music always had such powerful energy. She inspired me to sing and to care about the words. Here's wishing you peace, Maggie.

Lois Thetford

September 7, 2020

I met Maggie in 1974, when I recorded her singing at MCC on Capitol Hill for KRAB radio show WE Women Everywhere . I followed her music and visited her on Shaw with our kayaking group. She was a wonderful strong woman. Her voice will be missed. Lois Thetford

BOB NELSON

September 7, 2020

I always felt honored and pleased to be accepted by Maggie as a friend and fellow folksinger. She taught me many lessons. Judy and I greatly miss her and Sharon. Bob and Judy Nelson

Joan Sandler

September 7, 2020

Maggie was a shining light for women in the 70's and 80's. We felt support and understanding and loved her songs - they spoke to us and our struggle. I'm very happy to learn that she was at peace in her later years.

Mary Goetz

September 6, 2020

Marsha Lash

September 6, 2020

Maggie was so much more than her heroic obituary suggests. She was a role model and mentor for a large number of feminists and lesbians coming out in the 70’s and 80’s. A mentor and teacher by example and generous sharing of her time and expertise. She was an important contributor to the Washing State Women’s Heritage Project in the 80s. In her musical career, she shared the stage and helped a number of performers get started. And I only knew for a brief time. There is so much to tell of her amazing journey on this earth. Rest In Peace, my friend and may it be a beautiful Sunday Evening.

Vicki Pardee

September 6, 2020

I grew up listening to Maggie Savage perform at local folk music concerts. She was always so present, and her songs original.

Sarah Luthens

September 6, 2020

Very sad to hear of Maggie's passing. What an incredibly kind and delightful soul she was. I met Maggie when I attended the UW law school. So wish that we had stayed in touch... Presente', Maggie!

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