Margaret Wilson

One can only imagine the many things Margaret Wilson saw and experienced throughout her long life. She found her greatest joy in the ones she loved, and lived side-by-side with her one true love. Although most often a quiet woman, Margaret’s feisty side was evident at times, and she could be quite the character, too. With generations of those she held dear, Margaret leaves behind a multitude of memories to be fondly remembered.

From the first parachute jump from an airplane to the debut of Tarzan, the year 1912 was filled with innovations and memorable events. News of the day included the sad demise of the RMS Titanic, and with America’s love for baseball, Fenway Park and Tiger’s Stadium officially opened to the delight of baseball fans everywhere. Yet nestled in the small rural village of Paw Paw, Michigan, William and Ida (Disbrow) Pifer welcomed the birth of their daughter, Margaret on a warm July 8, 1912 summer’s day.

Margaret was the fourth of eventually eight children in the Pifer household. She joined older siblings, Claude, Milla, and Edwin, and later became a big sister to Veva, George, Flora, and Lucille. Margaret’s father worked as a tenant farmer for most of his life, and her mother looked after Margaret and her siblings as a homemaker. Although she enjoyed a typical childhood of her generation, Margaret’s large family felt the effects of World War I and in time, the Great Depression. While many left their schooling behind to seek work during the Depression, Margaret had the opportunity, unlike most, to continue her education and went on to graduate from Coloma High School in 1931.

Before long, Margaret found herself deeply in love with Robert R. Wilson. She met Robert through the man her sister, Veva was dating at the time, and their relationship blossomed. At four o’clock on a Sunday afternoon on June 23, 1935, Margaret and Robert shared vows of marriage at the home of her parents. Together they made their home in Paw Paw until September of 1935 when they move to the city of Kalamazoo. Before long they started a family of their own, and the addition of their six children, Fred, Robert Jr, John, Dan, Sam, and Sarah was a blessing in their lives. In 1946 they settled in Fulton, Michigan where they continued to live and raise their family. Through the years wonderful memories were shared together enjoying the holidays. Margaret loved all the holidays, and made them times to remember.

A favorite family trip often recalled was a road trip Margaret and Robert took their kids on. After packing everyone into the car, they headed south for a family gathering. When Robert became tired and wanted to rest, Margaret took over the wheel. 150 miles and hours later when he woke up, it turned out Margaret got turned around and had driven 150 miles north, in the direction from where they had come!

Margaret lived a simple life and never required much. She was content, enjoyed her family, and filled her free time with her love for bingo. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary on Sprinkle Road, and loved to knit and crochet. For many years she made mittens and hats for everyone she knew, and volunteered her time by knitting hats for the newborns at Borgess Hospital which she loved doing.

Following the death of Margaret’s beloved Robert in 1979, the support of family and friends saw Margaret through. Even though she had been comfortable with her life, it was following Robert’s death when Margaret really came into her own. She explored life, and lived it well. She took this time in her life to experience her heart’s desires, and did so at every opportunity. Margaret began bowling while in her seventies, and was very competitive at it. The once quiet woman whom everyone loved and adored now had a feisty side, too!

In 1983, Margaret moved to Vicksburg, followed by a move to Schoolcraft in 1991. As the years began to take their toll, she eventually moved to Riverview Manor Nursing Home in Three Rivers in July of 2006. The years were good to Margaret. She had the love of her six children, who blessed her with 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and in time, 14 great-great-grandchildren to love. In fact, her grandchildren range in age from eight to 55 years old. However, Margaret experienced her share of sorrows in life, as well. Her most difficult times in her life included burying her husband, and the death of her youngest son, Sam. The loss of her son was very hard for Margaret. She said more than one time that mothers shouldn’t have to experience the death of a child.

Throughout the life of Margaret Wilson, many changes took place, and she was a witness to them one by one. From times of war to times of peace; through days of plenty and days of want; through life’s joys as well as sorrows, Margaret’s life was a testament for having lived through it. Dearly loved and fondly remembered, she will be deeply missed.

Margaret A. Wilson, of Three Rivers, formerly of Fulton passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at the age of 102. She is survived by her six children: Fred (Margaret) Wilson, of Galien; Robert (Annie) Wilson, Jr of Battle Creek; John (Linda) Wilson, of Vicksburg; Dan (Kathleen) Wilson, of Burlington; Sarah (Fred) Keister, of Portage; 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Lucille Morgan, of FL; and daughter-in-law, Grace Wilson, of Burlington; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Wilson, Sr, in 1979; son Sam Wilson in 2010; and by six siblings.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 1-3pm at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The funeral service will be held on Friday at 3pm at the funeral home. Burial at North Fulton Cemetery. Please visit Margaret’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her online guestbook, and share a favorite memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to Southern Care Hospice and/or Riverview Manor Nursing Home.