Margaret Hope Lancaster

Margaret H. Lancaster passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on October 5. Margaret, who was raised in Angier and lived most all her life in Raleigh, was born November 1, 1919 in Stem, NC.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, C.M., and three brothers, Calvin, Lee Robert and Bill Washington.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, there was nothing that made Margaret prouder than her family: four children, five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She greatly cherished the many memories reflected in all the family photos that crowded her home.

She and her late husband C.M spent 50 years together making a good life for themselves and their family. Over the years, Margaret enjoyed decorating her houses, planting flowers in the yard, doting on her two dogs, Cleo and Benji, and relaxing at cocktail hour, a Lancaster tradition.

Margaret loved to keep up with current events and politics. A devoted Democrat, she could proudly boast voting for FDR, JFK, Bill Clinton (her favorite), and President Barack Obama. She never backed down from a good discussion about what was happening in the world.

Margaret also savored the company of family and good friends, always making sure there was plenty of wine and spirits available for visitors. During her later years, she also made sure to keep up with longtime friends and family members by phone. And she especially looked forward to the weekly visits of her HomeInstead caregivers.

Fiercely independent, Margaret lived on her own in the house she and C.M. built in 1987 up until her recent illness. And, stylish to the end, she continued to ponder purchases at her favorite retailer Talbot’s. We smiled when the Talbot’s catalog arrived in the mail on the day she passed away. We know how much she wanted those two inch heel sandals.

What her family will always cherish about her, besides her independent spirit and good taste, was her generosity and no nonsense approach to life. We should all be so fortunate to live a life that celebrated four basic tenets: kindness toward one another, respect of others, sense of humor and love of family.

All four served Margaret well during her almost 92 years with us. Needless to say, we shall miss her greatly.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at WakeMed and Hospice of Wake County who cared for Margaret during her illness. She often remarked that she could not have been treated any better.

Margaret is survived by son Haywood (Doug) Lancaster and wife Ann of Benson; daughter Deborah Currin and husband Scovill of Daniel Island, S.C.; daughter Tricia Lassiter and husband Eddie of Knightdale; daughter June Lancaster of Charlotte. Grandchildren Tiffany Strickland, Scovill Currin Jr., Margaret Ann Currin, Eddie Lassiter Jr., and John Lassiter.Twelve great-grandchildren Kristie and Colleen Strickland, Tessa and Luke Currin, Kaitlyn, Eddie III, Ruthie Lassiter, Hayley and Faith Anne Cook; Ivie and Ava Lassiter.

The family will receive friends and family at Brown Wynn Funeral Home on St. Mary’s St, Saturday, October 8 from 1-3 PM. A private family graveside service will follow. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or your favorite charity.