03/26/2026
Margaret T. Emerson (née Walsh), age 95, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026. She was born on April 22, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. Margaret was the beloved wife of the late Donald Emerson, whom she married in 1955. She was a devoted mother to Carol (Jim) Monk, Burt (Mary) Emerson, and William (Kimberly) Emerson. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald and her daughter Carol. She is survived by her loving sons, Burt and William. Margaret was a cherished grandmother to Margaret, Alexander, and Michelle, and a proud great-grandmother to Michael and William. She was also a fond aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary (Walter) Landgraf and Anna Walsh, and her brothers, William (Rita) Walsh and Gerald (Gayle) Walsh. A graduate of Visitation Catholic School, Margaret was a devout Catholic whose faith guided her throughout her life.Margaret held several positions throughout her life, most notably working as a telephone switchboard operator and in the office at Norfolk and Western Railway. Margaret had a lifelong love of music and was especially passionate about singing. She began singing as a child for family and friends and later at school events. She was a dedicated member of Saint John Fisher Church choir for five decades and also sang with the Saint Xavier and Moraine Valley choirs. In 1998, she traveled to Rome with the All Saints Combined Choir, where she had the honor of singing at the Church of St. Ignatius. Margaret was an accomplished artist, working primarily in watercolors and oils, and generously shared her work with family and friends. She was also a skilled seamstress, crafter, and an excellent baker and cook. An avid reader, she was rarely without a book and was known for her love of crossword puzzles, which she solved with ease. She found great joy in nature and the outdoors. Margaret enjoyed long walks with her family, always taking time to observe the beauty of nature and wildlife. Birdwatching was one of her favorite pastimes, and she kept her bird guide close at hand. She was also an avid flower gardener and had a special talent for growing African violets, which she nurtured year-round. Margaret often shared fond memories of summers spent at her aunt’s cottage on Lake Koshkonong, Wisconsin, where she enjoyed time with family and her many cousins. She treasured those years and the many stories that came from them. She maintained close relationships with her cousins throughout her life and took part in a beloved “Cousins Club” for many years. In her late teens, Margaret spent a year in California with her dear friend Juanita, a time she often recalled as one of the happiest periods of her life. She had a gift for forming lasting friendships and remained close with many friends and neighbors, including her childhood friends Juanita and Norine. Margaret took great pride in her Irish heritage. Her mother was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and grew up on the family farm in Crinny (near Castleisland) before emigrating to the United States in the early 1900s. In 1987, Margaret traveled to Ireland, where she visited the family farm and spent time with relatives, an experience she deeply cherished. Margaret also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her sister-in-law and dear friend Carol Walsh. She fondly remembered their road trips to Bradenton, Florida, and their daily 4 p.m. “Happy Hour,” affectionately known as “Howdy Doody Time.” In 2022, Margaret moved to The Meadows Assisted Living in Spring Green, Wisconsin. There, she remained active and engaged, participating in daily activities and forming new friendships while being lovingly cared for by the staff. Margaret will be remembered for her deep faith, her kindness, her creativity, and her remarkable ability to connect with others. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will be cherished by all who knew her. A Mass and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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