Margaret Elizabeth Neve-Koreny

She was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin on April 17, 1947, to August “Gus” & Janet "Peggy" Walatka. Margaret grew up in Iowa with a big, loving, Catholic-Irish family of six sisters, one brother, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Marge graduated from Assumption High School and attended Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa where she earned her degree in elementary education. She acquired her Masters in Integrated Education, at City University, Seattle, WA.

After her first teaching job in Minnesota and first marriage Marge was relocated to Renton, Washington. She spent the next 39 years in Renton raising her 3 children Bill, Kristy, and Jackie. Marge's favorite time in life was being a stay at home mom. After 13 years being a stay-at-home mom, she returned to teaching first grade in the Renton School District at Lakeridge Elementary and Sierra Heights Elementary until her retirement in 2009.

In 1998 Marge married George “Ed” Koreny, her soul mate. Together they enjoyed sharing a deep faith for Jesus, being with family, cooking, and spending time together.

She lived her life to serve others! Marge felt that God called her all her life and she tried to answer. She was known as a peacemaker. She had a zest for life with the utmost positive outlook!! She saw the good in everything and everybody! Marge was a deep woman of faith who loved and served Jesus daily. She gave her time, money, words, kindness, prayers and love to all who knew her. Marge was a parishioner for 39 years at St. Anthony’s of Renton where she volunteered helping the sick, homebound and anyone in need. Marge was known for sending long, beautifully hand written cards that left a loving impact. Marge’s infectious laugh, smile and humor were enjoyed by all. Marge spent her entire life as an avid sports lover. She especially followed and adored the Seahawks, Mariners and Iowa Hawkeyes!

Marge was ADORED by her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, students, friends, and all who knew her. She said her proudest moments in life were spent being a mom and grandma, watching her children become parents, and introducing her children to God. She left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.

Marge is survived by her husband George Koreny of Renton WA; children Bill (Kellie) of Washougal, WA; daughters Kristy (Larry) and Jackie (Mark) of Renton, WA; six sisters Jenny (Mike) of Atlanta, Mary (Jerry), Ann (Jim), Beaner, Therese (Steve) and brother Tom (Sue) all of Davenport, IA; step children Laura (Danny) of Manassas, Virginia; Jay (Teri) of Manassas, Virginia; Jeanne of Richmond, VA; 11 grandchildren including Gavin, Taylore, Lexi, Keegan, Luke, Jason, of Washington, and Amanda, Emily, Jeremy, Shane, and Ethan of Virginia; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Marge is proceeded in death by her parents Gus & Peggy Walatka, nephew Timothy Stemmer, brother-in-law's Rick McBride and Thomas Knight, and various aunts & uncles.

In Mother Theresa’s words, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”

For Marge’s love of children and education, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to local charity, Page Ahead, “giving kids in need the chance to read.” Please visit www.pageahead.org for more details.