Margaret Ann Stephenson

Margaret Ann Maguire Stephenson, aged 94, died April 1, 2011 after a short illness at Wynwood Assisted Living Facility. Margaret Ann Maguire was born July 7, 1916 in Crosby, Minnesota in the heart of the Mesabi iron range. The marked variety of cultures, languages and customs in that place as well as her Irish Catholic family had a strong effect on the development of her personality. She spent a lifetime demonstrating a deep understanding and affection for her fellow man. With the encouragement of her family, she attended the best available schools including high school at St. Joseph's Academy after the family's relocation to St. Paul, Minnesota. She then got a degree in library science from the University of Minnesota. She taught school briefly and then worked as a librarian after raising her family. She ended her long and illustrious career as a librarian for the Madison Public Library in 1980. After an adventurous trip to Equador with a friend just before the outbreak of WWII she took a job as the army base librarian at St. Joseph, Missouri. While in St. Jo she met and married Robert Earl Stephenson, a Wisconsin native and sergeant in the Quartermaster Corps. After the war,...[more]

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ey lived in St. Paul, Minnesota near Margaret's family before relocating to Madison Wisconsin, where they spent their remaining lives. Margaret was a tireless and loving mother to her five children. She was a staunch Catholic, a member of St. Paul's parish in Madison, a tireless liberal activist, an active member of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and countless other organizations dedicated to peace and social justice. Margaret had a zest for life, learning, and friendship that brightened and enlivened the lives of those who knew and loved her. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Maguire and Theresa VanKinder Maguire, brothers Bernard and Phillip and her husband Robert Earl Stephenson. She is survived by five children: Peter b. 3/2/1946 (Mary Massey), James b. 7/15/1947, John b.3/10/1949 (Johanna), Mary Feldman b.5/28/1951 (James), and Cecilia b.5/14/1953 and Cecilia's two children: Tanya Novotnak b.12/3/1988 and Peter Novotnak b.12/26/1992. She also leaves behind innumerable nieces, nephews and beloved friends. During Margaret's final years and days many people loved and cared for her. Her family wishes to thank all those dear friends, neighbors, and caregivers who helped us all through to the end. We are especially grateful for the kindness of the staff of Wynwood and for the guidance and expert attention of HospiceCare of Madison. Donations may be made in Margaret's name to Community Meal Program (c/o Luke House, 310 S. Ingersoll, Madison), HospiceCare Inc. (5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison 53711) or your favorite charity. A mass and celebration will be held for Margaret at a later date.