Margaret K Vaughan Nalos

Margaret K. Nalos, 90, passed away into her Savior’s presence Monday, July 20th, 2015 at her home in the Quarry Senior Living, where she had been living since her husband, Ervin, Passed away on September 25, 2010. She was born April 21, 1925 in Vancouver, B.C. to William and Blanche Vaughan.

Margaret recalled her mother, Blanche, leading her to the Lord as a small child. She recalled having a vision of an angel writing her name in a book. Her life was blessed with the presence of God.

As a little girl, Margaret has memories of milk and bread being delivered with a horse drawn cart. She saw a lot of changes over the past 90 years. As a teenager, Margaret attended Lord Bing High School in Vancouver, BC. Vacations were spent at a little cabin in Gibsons, along the Sunshine Coast, a favorite family hang out. She was inspired to enroll at UBC, at her brother, David’s graduation. In 1947, she graduated from there herself with a BA. While attending UBC, she met her husband, Ervin, to whom she was married for almost 63 years. At 25 years of age and a new mom, Margaret’s mother died, and over the years she would on occasion say, “My mother loved me, but she died”. While living in Palo Alto for Ervin to finish his PhD, she had her three sons, Richard, Duncan and Peter.

Margaret lived in Vancouver, Canada 1925-1947, Palo Alto, California 1947-1959, Switzerland 1959-1962, Bellevue 1962-2010 and Vancouver, Washington 2010-2015

In 1972, Margaret worked at the King County Court House managing and promoting a volunteer program, which paired juvenile and adult delinquents with folks who wanted to make a positive difference and help them to reintegrate into the community. It was a new program at the time and she was chosen to pioneer it. She spoke at national conferences, did workshops and consultations regarding this model program.

Margaret loved First Presbyterian, it was her church home, she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and was very involved as a lay leader. She volunteered as a Parish Care Associate and was involved organizing around 135 lay members of the church, called “deacons”, who provided support and assistance where needed. She also organized and provided training for people to lead grief and support groups. Margaret loved people and had a vision for the church as a healing agent in the community.

Margaret was truly a bright light, full of joy, love and generosity. She loved listening to people and touched many deeply. She will live on in our hearts always.

Margaret is survived by her sons, Richard (Jackie) of Yacolt, WA, Duncan (Judy) of Abbotsford, B.C. and Peter (Karen) of Bakerfield, CA; 7 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, all of whom will miss her dearly.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 PM, Friday, 31st at Forest Lawn Memorial Park , 3789 Royal Oak Ave., Burnaby, B.C.

Memorial donations are appreciated to : Bellevue Presbyterian Church, 1717 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004