Margaret Wozniak

Margaret Elaine (Kern) Wozniak

January 12, 1923 – July 24, 2014

Active in civic life and politics for several decades, Margaret Wozniak was also known for her wit and love of music and the arts. Frequently outspoken, she was quoted in an interview in the Sunnyvale Register in 1965: "I don't agree with the people who say you should never discuss religion or politics." She maintained that both were vital and wonderful subjects for sensible and sane discussion.

Born and raised in Vancouver, WA, Margaret later moved to Southern California and then with her husband and children to Sunnyvale. She is predeceased by parents Mary and Edward Kern, brother Robert Kern, sister Marilyn Loomis, and husband Jerry Wozniak. She is survived by her children, Steve (Janet), Leslie (Kathie), and Mark, and grandchildren Jesse Clark (Sally), Sara Clark, Gary Wozniak, and Christine Wozniak.

Margaret took great pride in all of her children's accomplishments, including son Steve's role in co-founding Apple Computer. She loved telling stories of the time preceding Apple, when she hosted the two Steves at home. She did not relish the role of housekeeper, however, and was miffed when she was portrayed in the movie Pirates of Silicon Valley wearing an apron.

A graduate of Washington State University, Margaret was the Publicity Director of the California Wine Institute after college. After moving to Sunnyvale in 1958, she worked on numerous political campaigns at state, local and national levels. She championed women's rights and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women's Fund in Santa Clara Valley. She was a founder and board member of the Sunnyvale Council for the Arts, a founder and board member of the Sunnyvale Community Players, served on the Charter Revision Committee for the city of Sunnyvale, and in 1987 was included on a list of the 100 Most Powerful People in Silicon Valley, as listed in the San Jose Mercury News. In 1996, she received a community award from De Anza College where she had been a member of the board of the California History Center Foundation. She last served on the Community Associates Board of Parents Helping Parents in Santa Clara Valley.

After a long struggle with Alzheimer's, Margaret passed peacefully at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland, CA. Her memorial will be private.