Margaret Ailsa Steely

Margaret Ailsa Wallace Steely, aged 95, born February 29, 1920, died June 25, 2015, in Sacramento, predeceased by husband Sacramento Fire Captain John Lockhart Steely; son USA SFC. Rod Lee Steely; sisters Jean Isabella Berg (Clifford); Julia Josephine Hunt (Charles); Eleanor Martha Plummer (Wm J.); Florence Grace Adge (Fred); Ruth Victoria Crosby (Clifton); Alice Olivia O’Laughlin (Harry). She is survived by son Kip Wallace Steely; sisters Lillian Mary Hartin, (Wm, dec.); Clara Juanita Pitman (Ranger, dec.); Helen Sadah Hardy (Jim, dec’d); 2 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild.

Was active in Marshall School P.T.A., held all offices and received an Honorary Life Membership. Served on the Sacramento Council P.T.A. as vice president. Was a Den Mother in scouting, her Den received a prize for a home made model railroad train. Belonged to Native Daughters of the Golden West, Coloma Chapter, held all offices and was Deputy Grand President. Member of Delta Chapter, Delta Phi Epsilon, held all offices. Had been given lessons in Roberts Rules and that helped her. Through P.T.A. she had the opportunity of presenting a Flag to a new school. That was a privilege. Through Native Daughters she was given the opportunity of giving the Charge of Allegiance to a group of people becoming naturalized citizens in the Sacramento County Courthouse (about 1952-53). Served as the first President of the Sacramento Fire Wives and continued to be active there in many capacities. Fifteen years were spent in Women’s Bible Study Fellowship, where she found much of her calling as leader. Was active in Christian Women’s Club. Sang in Church choirs and taught Sunday Schools. She loved studying her Bible and sharing with others. Taught in home Bible studies.

Born in, raised in and attended Sacramento schools. The fifth of ten daughters of Martin DeWitte Wallace and the former Jean Isabella Bell. Both parents were talented musically and brought the girls up to know and appreciate music and learn to play at least one instrument. Worked for the Telephone Company, first as “number please”, and promoted to switchboard operator, when lines were manually connected, before marriage, and then after marrying John December 29, 1940, together they decided she should be a stay at home Mom. “John taught me to drive the car about 1947. What a boon that has been. It was the means by which I was able to be active in the many capacities I was involved in through the busy years. That and a generous husband who saw that a wife must have varied interests to keep her happy and fulfilled.”

“We were blessed in having two fine men as our offspring. I’m very proud of each of them. It has been a joy and privilege to be able to meet once a week with my sisters for support and fellowship in the varied things that occurred in our lives as we grew older. It was a comfort to realize we were there for each other. Personally I feel I’ve been singularly blessed. As sisters we sponsored an annual Christmas Party Dinner for the Wallace Clan. That too has been rewarding. In 2014 it was 60 years. When we first started it Pop and Mom Wallace were still with us. So many have passed on, but also there have been new babies to take their place. My, the changes we have seen. The generations are changing. Time is marching on.”

Services will be held 10:00 AM, Thursday, July 2, 2015, at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Lane, and Fair Oaks Blvd. Remembrances may be made to Burn Institute, 3823 V St., Ste. #4, Sacramento, California 95817.