Margaret Theresa Cobb

Margaret Theresa Cobb lived her life knowing that in the simple doing of tasks there is sacredness. Whether caring for her family, working in her garden, or serving in her church, all that Margaret did was for the glory of the Lord.

Life at the beginning of the 20th century was vastly different from life at the beginning of the 21st century. By 1909 the Wright brothers had made their first flight at Kitty Hawk. Music was provided by listening to recordings on a hand-cranked victrola, and women still suffered the discomfort of the corset, all in the name of fashion. During this time, Joseph and Anna Bajac, of Croatian descent, were living in Pittsburgh, PA, trying to raise and provide for their growing family. Their daughter, Margaret Theresa, was born on August 8, 1909 and life was not always easy for this little girl. Her mother, Anna, died in childbirth when Margaret was just four years old. Four years later, her father, Joseph, died and the children, now four in number, were placed in an orphanage. Over the next several years, the children lived in different foster homes.

By the time she was a young lady, Margaret went to live with her older sister Mary, who also lived in Pittsburgh, and secured a job working at the H. J. Heinz Company, one of the largest employers in the area. It was here that she met a young man named Wilbur Cobb. Love blossomed and in 1937, the two were married.

Now a new chapter of Margaret's life was beginning, that of wife and mother. The family began to grow with the arrival of son, Raymond. Ray soon became big brother to sister Delores, born in 1943. With Delores just three weeks old, Margaret and Wilbur moved their family to Saginaw, Michigan, where Wilbur continued to work for H.J. Heinz. After a few years in Saginaw, Wilbur was transferred to Holland, Michigan, to become general manager of the Heinz plant there. In 1950, at the age of 42, Margaret gave birth to a third child, a son they named William.

Margaret loved being a wife and mother, caring for her family and her home. Her gardens beautified the outside of her home, while her love and delicious meals warmed the inside. Lemon meringue pies and angel food cakes with whipped cream were her specialties and made each meal something to look forward to. Wilbur was quite active in community and charitable organizations, and Margaret was always by his side, supporting him in every endeavor. Leisure time was spent bowling - she was on a women's league and they were both on a couple's league - and fishing. Each year they would take a trip to Canada to a small cabin where Margaret, Wilbur and the children could enjoy the crisp, fresh air, and the great fishing.

Tragedy struck in 1969 when Wilbur died very unexpectedly. He was just 58 years old. His death had a huge impact on Margaret and the rest of the family, and Margaret sought comfort in the arms of her church, the Faith Christian Center. It was here that she found the much needed love and support to carry on with her life. As time went on, she found great joy in the many activities at the church. She often played the harmonica during services and crocheted washcloths as part of a mission group. She also lovingly made beautiful quilts for members of her family.

Through all that life brought her way, Margaret was always blessed with good health, right up through her 97th birthday. She maintained her own home well into her eighties, continuing to work in her gardens and driving herself to church. When her home was more than she could manage alone, Margaret moved to Royal Park in Zeeland, and then to Sheldon Meadows in Hudsonville, to be closer to her children.

At the end of her life, Margaret Cobb had seen men land on the moon, people download music to their Ipods and fashions that were comfortable for all. Although events around her were changing, Margaret remained the same. Outspoken, loyal, and dedicated to her family, she was a true steward of all the blessings she had received. Her giving spirit was guided each day by her loving trust in the Lord. Blessed with remarkable health, Margaret was able to spend a wonderful lifetime with her family, celebrating many milestones. She will be forever appreciated and deeply missed.

Margaret Theresa Cobb, age 97, of Holland, passed away on Friday December 29, 2006 at Sheldon Meadows in Hudsonville. She was preceded in death by her husband Wilbur Cleo Cobb in 1969, her daughter-in-law, Melba Cobb, and her great granddaughter, Tawny Ray. She is survived by her children, Raymond Cobb of Highland, CA, Delores and Jerry Smeenge of Hudsonville, William and Rhonda Cobb of Hudsonville; eight grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00am at the Faith Christian Center, A4307 Blue Star Highway with Rev. Fred Gulker officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 6-9pm at the Dykstra Lifestory Funeral Homes, Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street. Burial will take place at Pilgrim Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Faith Christian Center. Please visit Margaret's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or a photo of Margaret, and sign the online registry. Arrangements by Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, Inc., Mulder Chapel.