Margaret Lowry

To know Margaret Lowry was to love her, and as the true matriarch of her family, she kept those she loved near and dear to her heart always. With ways all her own, Margaret ruled the roost in her home and set the rules accordingly. She could be stern at times, but through her 95 of living, she witnessed the world evolve around her and experienced much in her lifetime. Margaret considered herself blessed in numerous ways, and through the many memories she leaves behind, she will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The 1920s was an era of dramatic social and political change. More Americans lived in cities than on farms, and the nation’s total wealth more than doubled. With much taking place by way of technology and advancement, the year 1920 found women winning the right to vote and the introduction of prohibition. The Ford Model T was the shape of things to come for the auto industry, while small pox was a concern for many. Known as the Roaring Twenties, a sense of gaiety filled the air during this time of great transition. Yet nestled in the rolling hills of the Franklin County area of southern Illinois tucked away in the small community of Zeigler, Lawrence and Mary Habek found much to be thankful for on January 22, 1920 when they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Margaret into their arms.

The second of eventually three children, Margaret grew up alongside her sisters, Ann and Helen. Her father was a hard working coal miner, and in 1932, when Margaret was a young girl of 12, her family moved north to Kalamazoo, Michigan where Margaret attended the local schools. The Great Depression created financial struggle for all, and in Kalamazoo her father found work as a welder at the Kalamazoo Furnace Company. Her mother worked for Kalamazoo Laundry, and their family also took boarders into their home on Kings Highway and Mills Street for extra income. Like many during her youth, Margaret left her schooling behind to help around the house and with their boarding business.

In her late teens, Margaret began working at Shakespeare’s before later landing a job as a press operator where she worked for several years. After moving to Kalamazoo, Margaret met her lifelong friends, Carolyn Kozminski and Rose Haas. The girls were nearly inseparable, and shared many adventures together. On Friday and Saturday nights they often hitchhiked to the Veteran’s Hospital in Battle Creek to visit soldiers wounded from World War II. Little did Margaret know it would be the place where she would come to meet her future husband, Thomas “Tim” Lowry.

Although Margaret and Tim initially met at the VA, they later enjoyed meeting each other at the Hi-Lo Club in Battle Creek. Still rehabilitating and in his wheelchair, he strolled up to the bar and with cigar in hand, he struck up a friendly conversation with Margaret, the young woman who earlier had caught his eye at the VA. They began dating, fell deeply in love, and after a year they were happily joined in marriage on September 1, 1945 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Kalamazoo.

The newlyweds lived with Margaret's family for a time before moving into their own apartment where they began what was to become 61 years together as husband and wife. In time, Tim began building their forever home on the east side of Kalamazoo. For 59 years, they made numerous memories at 1733 Sunnyside Drive where they also welcomed and raised two fine sons, Jerry and John.

Margaret made a good home for Tim and the kids. She was a good cook, and made traditional family meals. Margaret was of Croatian descent, but she often made delicious Polish food, too. Through the years, Margaret loved the music dancing the night away with Tim at the Old Ramona Palace near Long Lake. Even in her later years, she continued to love the sounds of the Big Bands, jazz, and that of Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller. She and Tim also attended many events at the VFW, Knights of Columbus, the Moose Lodge and the American Legion for which Tim was a member.

In her early years, Margaret was quite fond of soap operas on TV, and for over 20 years she took care of children in her home which gave her the opportunity to be there for her own kids. As a family, many day and road trips were enjoyed taking in the summer sun at the lake or on family picnics. They also shared great times enjoying family reunions held each year. As members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Margaret and Tim together raised their sons devout to their Catholic faith.

From the beginning, Margaret ruled the roost. She also lived by her own set of rules, and set firm boundaries not only for her boys, but for her husband, as well! Never straying from her rules, she was resolute in the 12 midnight curfew she instilled, and her resolve never wavered. Her husband and sons did not have a key, and if they weren’t in the door by the strike of midnight, they were simply out of luck. Needless to say, they spent more than one night out in the car!

Later when their sons came to have lives and families of their own, Margaret and Tim enjoyed traveling and a little gambling well into their 70s and 80s. Margaret also liked bingo, and after her beloved Tim passed away, her son Jerry made sure she was able to go weekly. They also spent time at the casinos where Margaret really took to the slots. When Margaret’s health began to decline and she was no longer able to care for herself at home, she began living at the Laurels of Galesburg where she could receive the care she needed.

A life well lived, Margaret enjoyed much throughout her years. She was surrounded by the love of family, and in them she found her greatest joy. She leaves much to be remembered, and in the hearts of those she loved, she will be dearly missed.

Margaret Lowry, age 95, of Kalamazoo, died on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at the Laurels of Galesburg. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Tim Lowry in 2007; and by her two sisters: Ann Sanic and Helen Charkowski. Surviving are her two sons: Jerry (Rose) Lowry and John (Kathy) Lowry; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Visit with Margaret’s family and friends while sharing food and refreshments on Thursday from 6–8 PM at Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo where a prayer service will be held at 8:00 PM. Please visit Margaret’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo and sign her guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Comstock VFW.