Margaret went to be with the Lord on June 29, 2019. She was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on September 15, 1942. Her parents were Howard and Cecilia Lawton, both who have preceded her in death. She was the second of four children: older sister, Virginia, younger brother Bill and the youngest sibling Barbara. She grew up in Portland, Oregon and graduated from Reynolds High School class of 1960, where her friends called her Maggie. Her family took vacations going from Portland, OR to Omaha, NE on the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) passenger train during her childhood years. Many stories have been told about the great trips across the western plains among the family, sleeping in the Pullman cars, as well as the wonderful food in the club car
The family moved to Omaha, NE in the summer of 1960, where her father worked for the UPRR. Marge was also employed at the UPRR, where she would meet the love of her life, Bob Mitchell.
They were joined in marriage on July 14, 1962. Two children were born to this marriage the first Julia and the second child Lisa. The family lived in five different states before finally moving to Oregon where they have lived for the past thirty-one years. Marge was blessed with a son in law Jim Dunn, Lisa’s husband and with two grandchildren Alex and Katie.
Marge loved playing games, with family and friends usually bridge, liverpool rummy and many other card games. Marge worked outside of the home as well, her last employer was USBank from which she retired in 2006. Marge had a passion for cooking, especially desserts. Nearly all desserts would be tried and adjusted several times before being up to a standard where it could be submitted to a cooking contest. She was successful and won several prizes. In 2003, Marge was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She became the support group facilitator and served in that role for more than 12 years. She also was involved in the walks for Parkinson’s, the name for the support group was the LEAPFROGS.
Marge will be missed by many who were blessed to have been with her on her travel through life. Please know that a soul who lived so well will remain forever near.
A celebration of life service will be held at Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church (2420 NE Fairview Ave) on August 3, 2019, at 1 PM. The family asks in lieu of flowers that a contribution in her name be made to Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (8880 SW Nimbus Avenue Suite B, Beaverton, OR 97008)