To My Mother-in-Law Marge

 

Margaret R. "Marge" McFarland, age 66, of Harborcreek, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at Hamot Medical Center. She was born in Erie, Pa. on May 29, 1943, daughter of Cyril Lecker and the late Alice Bailey Lecker. Marge was a member of Our Lady of Mercy R.C. Church where she was a 25 year volunteer with the Ella Cochran Food Pantry. She worked as a demonstrator for 44 years for Toy Ladies and Friendly Homes parties and also at Kentucky Fried Chicken, Kelley's Korner Store, Mount St. Benedict and Camp Glinodo. She liked camping, the Casino and bingo. Marge was a special person to all who knew her. Loved and respected, she was like a second mom to many. Preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Thomas McFarland and her best friend, Ginny.

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Tom left early yesterday to meet with his brother and sisters.  He also stopped and picked up two wonderfully huge poinsettias to represent the children and grandchildren.   The main arrangement was made of pine and carnations of reds and whites with the exception of a single yellow rose in the center.  It was to represent her husband Tom.  He loved yellow.  There were other arrangements that were displayed in various varieties and colors that were seasonal.

Terry had bought Marge a red long sleeved blouse for her to wear to a Christmas party she was going to attend for the food pantry.   She had her dressed in that with her angel pin on her shoulder.   She looked really nice.  

Pictures from times passed were placed beside her. Her sister Nancy had bought her a special "sisters" pillow and laid it in with her.  Grandpa Lecker, Marge's dad, was there, as well as so many of her extended family.  So many stayed for the service that they had to bring in extra chairs to accomodate everyone.

Friends offered dishes to be taken  to her home where family met afterwards for a short time.   

I don't think I have ever attended a service that was  more uplifting.  Usually spirits are solemn and sad, and even though there were those times the overall feeling yesterday was a thread of happiness through the room.   Just like when you would go and visit with her.  With all the friends and family it was just like she was still with us.

It reminded me of the feeling you had when you would spend time with her at the mountains every fall.   I have seen first hand  how she would take you in like family even if it was the first time she met you.  Marge was like that.  Now she has been taken from her family here, but she herself is now taken in like family with welcoming arms.