Margaret Elizabeth Thissen

Margaret Elizabeth Thissen, 73, of Chowchilla, California, passed away peacefully after a long bout with cancer, surrounded by her family on January 7, 2018, in Fresno, California. She was a resident of Chowchilla, California for 50 years.

Margaret was born on August 17, 1944, in Palo Alto, California, to Sidney and Vivienne(Eyman) Barlet. She was the first of three girls. She graduated from Cubberley High School in Palo Alto in 1962, where she participated in sports, Glee Club, choir, dance club, photography, Golden C sports scholarship club, and orchestra, where she played the violin. She was the recipient of the Girls’ League Scholarship upon graduation. She graduated from San Jose State University in 1966 and entered the credential program. She started her first and only teaching job at Chowchilla Union High School in Chowchilla, California, in the Fall of 1968, where she taught for 32 years.

Margaret married the love of her life, Bob Thissen, July 5, 1969, and had two children, Annette and Robert. She was an active member of St. Columba Catholic Church and a member of the Altar Society. She stayed active swimming and bowling and enjoyed camping, traveling, and gardening. She had a love of horses, dogs, and cats. She was also very charitable in the community.

Margaret is survived by her loving husband, Bob, daughter, Annette and son-in-law Todd Doucet, of Clovis, CA, son, Robert of Chowchilla, CA, 2 sisters: Pamela Barlet of Sweet Home, Oregon and Luanne Bain of Escalon, CA, an aunt and uncle, 3 sisters-in-law, 1 brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Palm Memorial Worden Chapel with vigil service with rosary on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 7:00 p.m at St Columba Catholic Church.

A funeral mass will be held on, January 17, 2018, at 11 am, at St Columba Catholic Church in Chowchilla, CA. Burial will be in the Chowchilla District Cemetery.

In Margaret’s honor, remembrances may be made to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fresno.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Memorial - Worden Chapel, Chowchilla, CA.