Margaret Esser

Margaret Esser of Paw Paw, age 80, died peacefully Friday, April 15, 2016 at Prairie Crossing Nursing Home of Shabbona after a recent illness. She was born September 17, 1935 in Lisle, IL to Irene Steinhaus Schwartz. Margaret married Dale Esser on July 30, 1953 in a ceremony officiated by the late Mayor Richard Daley.

She raised seven children with her beautiful and resilient spirit, sparked with humor and a can-do attitude. Marge’s friendly and outgoing personality made her a natural waitress and Avon lady, which resulted in a multitude of lifelong friends, many of whom had husbands who perpetually smelled like Wild Country Cologne. She was a real homebody who spent her time baking, gardening, knitting award-winning afghans, and raising babies. When they were old enough, she mercilessly schooled them in Scrabble, Rummy and Yahtzee! After she finished raising her own children, she jumped in helping her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she deeply cherished.

She never met a challenge or project that she wouldn’t attempt. She laid carpets, installed ceiling tiles, refinished kitchen cabinets, and hung wallpaper…all BEFORE youtube had easy to follow step-by-step instructions. She used her free time to knit sweaters, crochet baby blankets, paint landscapes, play bingo and take her quarter change purse to the “boat.” Mom insisted her coffee cup never be empty, her fingernails always be long, that you finish the food on your plate, and that SHE got to prepare the Thanksgiving feast at her house EVERY year! She believed in God, family, and second chances. She loved garage sales, crossword puzzles, bowling, canning vegetables from her garden (her relish was a family favorite), and steaks cooked medium rare (just as God intended!) The only thing she hated was the word hate. You could get your mouth washed out if you got caught using it. Mom was a mighty protector and defender of her family and friends. She didn’t have much, but she’d give you the shirt off her back, but only after she finished ironing it!

She is survived by her sister, Lynn (Richard) Smith of Waterman; 6 children: Peggy Waidley of Maryland; Michael (Chandra) of Florida; Laura (Mark) Suban of New York; Stephanie (Corey) Maves of Dixon; Steven of Paw Paw and Scott of Arizona. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Irene Brown; husband Dale; sister Anna; brothers Dale and Arthur; infant children Marie and Dale; and son Alex.

A memorial visitation for Margaret will be from 9:00-11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 23, 2016, at the First Presbyterian Church, 398 Chicago Rd, in Paw Paw. A memorial service will immediately follow at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Dr. Anne Hoflen officiating. Interment to follow at Wyoming Cemetery in Paw Paw. A luncheon will be provided at the Presbyterian Church after interment.

The family welcomes you to come celebrate Margaret’s life. This devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and sister is surely has been welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus, as he says “Well done, good and faithful servant. It is now time to rest.”

Sign the online guestbook at www.TormanFuneralHome.com.