Margaret Emily Shoemaker

Margaret Emily Sh maker died October 29, 2012 at Life Care Center of Longmont. She was 93 years old. Margaret was born on December 16, 1918 in Knoxville, IA. She was the third and youngest child of Harvey W. Holmes and Margaret E. Harsin. Margaret grew up outside of Knoxville, IA where her family built a home they had ordered from the Sears-R buck catalog that arrived by rail. She was always close to her brother Lester Holmes and her sister, Ada Janette De Camp and spoke fondly of their childhood together as well as keeping in close touch throughout their lives. She remembered helping out a lot at home growing up, especially weaving by her mother's side and making use of any scrap of cloth they had. She lived in town to attend Knoxville High School and graduated in 1936.In 1937 Margaret graduated from Jackson University of Business--Shorthand and Bookkeeping Course of Study in Chillicothe, MO. She went on to become an executive secretary to the president of a large insurance company in Des Moines, IA. Throughout her life, her excellent secretarial skills, organization, and attention to detail were apparent to anyone who knew her or did business with her. On March 21, 1938 Margaret married Arthur E. Sh maker. Arthur had made deliveries to the farm while she was away at school and had become acquainted with her mother and her mother's excellent baking. When she came back home, her mother has happy to introduce the helpful young man to her youngest daughter. Margaret and Arthur enjoyed their time at the lake, running around with friends, gardening and camping. They were constantly busy with new projects, often repurposing something that may have been thrown out into something new. They supported their only son, Terry E. Sh maker in his adventures as an Eagle Scout and running track.After Terry married Lois J. Jacobson, the two entered the Peace Corps, serving in Ethiopia. Margaret spoke fondly of when she and Arthur hosted Ammanuel Mehreteab who arrived from Ethiopia to attend Central College in Pella, IA. Ammanuel had been a student of Terry's during he and Lois' time in the Peace Corps, and they had arranged this informal cultural exchange. Margaret was both honored and proud of her experience hosting Ammanuel. The Mehreteab and Sh maker families continue to have close ties.In 1972 Margaret and Arthur moved to Longmont, CO to be near Terry, his wife Lois, and their children Christine A. Sh maker and Sonja J. Peake. She was profoundly saddened by Terry's death at the age of 36. She was always grateful for the relationships she continued with Lois, Christy and Sonja after his death.Margaret was active in her community throughout her life. Here in Longmont she volunteered many places including the OUR center, Senior Center, Columbine Elementary, and Spangler Elementary. She was involved in the Lady Lions Club, Double Twenties, Good Sam and Rocky Rockers camping clubs, Methodist Women, Tumbleweeds travel group, and at First United Methodist Church. Margaret enjoyed crocheting, many different crafts, oil painting, gardening, playing cards, camping and travel. She loved spending time with immediate and extended family and visiting with friends. She looked forward to Wednesday lunch at McDonald's with friends for many years. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was known to write down favorite jokes she wanted to remember.Margaret and Arthur were snowbirds who loved the Colorado spring, summer and fall and escaped to Arizona in the winters for many years. Margaret very much enjoyed the weather, activities, and friends at Blue Star and Sierra del Saguaro mobile home parks in Apache Junction. AZ. Many who knew her enjoyed visiting her there as well. Margaret is survived by daughter-in-law Lois Sh maker of Denver, granddaughters Christy Sh maker of Boulder and Sonja Peake of Colorado Springs, great-grandsons Terry Vis of Boulder, Tyler Peake of Colorado Springs and Adrian Vis of Boulder. Family was always central in Margaret's life and she enjoyed her time with her family immensely. During her final years at Life Care, visits from her great-grandsons particularly brought a smile to her face. She is also survived by many friends whose company she enjoyed very much.Preceding her in death were Margaret's parents Harvey Holmes and Margaret Harsin, siblings Les Holmes and Ada Jane De Camp, husband Arthur Sh maker (1982) and son Terry Sh maker (1975). A memorial service will be held at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel on Saturday, November 10 at 10:00 am with Reverend Carol Lillie officiating. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the OUR center, 303 Atwood St., Longmont, CO 80501. Margaret's high school class motto was Life is a painting. Paint it well. By all accounts she did so. She is loved and deeply missed.