Margaret Carson

Hard-working, selfless, and motivated are words which help describe Margaret Carson. Her life was full, and she lived every moment to the limit. We will look to one another to find comfort in our grief, as we share all the wonderful memories of her life. Marge was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. It is with great sadness that we are forced to say goodbye to such a warm soul.

The year of Margaret's birth, in 1931, presented some difficult days during the Great Depression. The jobless rate rose to nearly four million. It was indeed a trying time in our nation’s history, yet hearts were hopeful as New York City opened the Empire State Building, and celebrated as the Star-Spangled Banner was adopted as the U.S. national anthem.

Amidst these difficult times, James and Frances (Buelter) McAllister were living in Detroit, Michigan preparing to meet their sweet baby girl. In the earlier days of summer, on June 20, 1931, Margaret was welcomed into the world. She spent her childhood days growing up in the city of Detroit. Her family did not own a car, so they took the bus everywhere they went. Margaret enjoyed reading and hanging out with her friends at Boblo Island when she was a little older. She also found babysitting jobs here and there to earn a little extra spending money. Sadly, she was forced to endure the loss of her father at the tender age of 17. With the support of her family, they worked hard to find the faith to carry on, keeping his memory close to their hearts.

As time moved along, Marge attended St. Francis de Sales High School where she graduated with the class of 1950. Upon earning her diploma, she continued her education by enrolling at Marygrove College where she graduated with a BA. She majored in mathematics and minored in English, German, and Social Science. She received her college degree in 1954. While she went to college, she worked diligently at various jobs. She found a kitchen position at Grace Hospital in downtown Detroit, a clerking job at an insurance company, and during the holiday season, she worked midnight shifts at the United States Postal Office by Tiger Stadium. This was a great spot for her because she absolutely loved going to Detroit Tiger's games.

Serious about her studies and earning money, Marge still had room in her heart to cultivate a romantic relationship. Before graduating from high school, she met a young man named Bob Carson who became the love of her life. The romance began at a Precious Blood Church dance in the year of 1949. Their courtship grew quickly and was forced to endure the challenges of a long distance relationship, for Bob went into the Army. While Bob was in the service Marge wrote him a letter every single day until he returned to her. Eventually, a wedding was planned, and they celebrated their love on November 27, 1954, just a couple of days after Thanksgiving.

Though she worked all the way through college, after graduation, she was ready to tackle a real job. She landed a few jobs as a teacher in the Detroit schools. Her first position was as a 1st-grade teacher at Carver Elementary School for one year. Following this teaching assignment, she moved to McKerrol Elementary working with first graders still. After spending a year there, she moved up to the junior high level and taught mathematics at Tappan Junior High School.

Soon, Marge and Bob were ready to enter the adventures of parenthood. They welcomed four children together; Lawrence, James, Kathleen, and Anne provided a great deal of excitement in their home. This excitement proved to be a full-time job, so Marge resigned from her teaching career to take care of her family. She greatly enjoyed this 'job' from 1958 to 1970. When her family matured enough to allow a little extra time, Marge went back to work as a secondary substitute teacher in the Holland, West Ottawa, & Zeeland School Districts. Always a hard worker, she also began a new educational path continuing to add to her credentials. She took classes at Wayne State University, University of Detroit, and Davenport College. She also attended Western Michigan University earning a Masters in the Teaching of Mathematics in 1972. Finally, she worked in the accounting department of the LifeSavers Company from 1980 to 1993, located in Holland, Michigan, before earning a well-deserved retirement in 1993.

Marge valued good use of her time, and when she had excess solitude, she found many opportunities to fill it. She was a tireless volunteer for many different groups. She was an active member of the St. Valentine Catholic Church (Detroit) Altar Society where she made rosaries for the Missions. She also chaired a Fall Bazaar, taught catechism classes at both St. Valentine's (Detroit) & St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. When the family moved to the west side of the state, she was involved in the Parish Council and also became a Eucharistic Minister, & Lector at St. Francis De Sales Church (Holland). To help her children, she became a Girl Scout leader while they lived in Detroit, and then she took on Camp Fire Girls in Holland. Marge helped the Evergreen Senior Center working in the kitchen and as a Tax Counselor, along with helping with AARP. She also had a hand in the Hamilton Schools Wish Program.

As their children matured and found adult lives of their own, Marge and Bob looked forward to welcoming grandchildren. They were blessed with the gift of five grandchildren; they brought an enormous amount of joy to Marge. With time, they also celebrated the birth of four precious great-grandchildren; they held a special place in their great-grandmother's heart as well.

When Marge actually had a moment to herself, she always found something to do. She enjoyed water activities, such as water aerobics at Evergreen Commons, visiting the beaches of Lake Michigan with family, and even snorkeling in Grand Cayman. She would spend many days preparing for Christmas, as it was her favorite holiday, as was anytime she was able to spend quality time with her family. If the Detroit Tigers were playing, she was sure to be attentively watching or listening and cheering them on. If all else failed, she liked to curl up with a good book while enjoying the guilty pleasures of her favorite treats, M&M's and ice cream.

It is with great joy and sadness that we raised Marge Carson up into the arms of our heavenly father on the morning of September 13th, surrounded by her loving husband and children. Her place in our lives will never be forgotten, and we will miss her dearly.

She has left behind her adoring husband, Bob, children, Jim (Tina) Carson of Holland, Kathy (Bob) McDonald of Holland, and Anne (Mark) Brush of Hamilton. Grandchildren, Kelli McDonald of Holland, Amanda (Matthew) Grunst of Zeeland, Kristi (Kevin) Lidbeck, of Essexville, Katelyn (Stephanie) Smeenge of Zeeland, Lindsay Brush of Hamilton and Magdalen Maat, Jocelyn Maat and Kaden Maat of Holland. Great grandchildren, Makenzie, Madison and Makayla Grunst and Cadence Smeenge.

Funeral visitation will be at St. Francis DeSales Church in Holland on Monday, September 18 from 9-11 am. The funeral service is at St. Francis at 11 am. For more information, please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com