Margaret McDowell Liljenwall

Born July 2, 1929 in Denver, Colorado to Louise Sanborn McDowell and Edward Walker McDowell, Margaret 's passion for life, family and keen wit made a difference in many lives. Although she remarked that she was a Depression Age baby, she was "never depressed"! Known as "Little Miss Giggles", one of her oldest friends' father remarked that she was a delight to have spend the night.

From a young age Margaret often took care of her younger brother Skipper who had muscular dystrophy, developing a strong positive outlook that sustained her in every personal challenge.

Her education included Travis Park Elementary, Mark Twain Junior High, Austin High School and the University of Texas where she joined Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity 65 years ago. From UT Austin she attended the Prince School of Retailing at Simmons College in Boston, MA where she met Theodore "Ted" Gustav Liljenwall, Stanford undergrad, during his second year of Harvard Business School in 1951. After a "very short courtship" they married only a few months later. Their first years spent in San Francisco, Margaret loved her work as Assistant Buyer for Capwell's Department store, in the coat and suit department.

Undaunted by news they would not have children, Margaret and Ted did indeed have three girls and two boys during their time in California and back in Texas - and along with her 14 grandchildren, she considers these to be her "greatest accomplishments". She did not let the absence of a "driver's license" and four children age 5 and under keep her from "giving back" to others. Margaret simply took the bus to volunteer as a new member of the San Antonio Junior League until she finally learned to drive at age 33 - after her "fifth" child was born.

Her many contributions to the community also included the Santa Rosa Children's Hospital Gift Shop, the fully funded building of the first Ronald McDonald House in San Antonio, Annual Boysville Live Auction Breakfast, Life Member of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, and the Celebrity Waiters Luncheons for The Leukemia Society of San Antonio after daughter Pam was diagnosed with Leukemia. She felt truly blessed that Pam recovered fully, and has been an inspiration to her for over 45 years!

A member of the Founders Circle, Margaret was especially devoted to the Assistance League of San Antonio - active in direct "hands-on" community service projects as well as the Thrift House.

Her lifelong travels took her on many wonderful adventures. One early highlight with her Father, included the opportunity to sit in the House and Senate in Washington DC on D-day. She was especially fond of summers spent in the Colorado Mountains, as well as trips with family members to Hawaii, Tahiti, Spain, Rio de Janeiro, Greece, Morocco, Mexico, Sweden, Finland, England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, France and cities throughout the US.

Predeceased by her parents, loving husband Ted, brothers Sandy and "Skipper", sister Cynthia, nephews Edward, Chip and Mac, Margaret will be missed by so many! She wanted to express her profound gratitude for the wonderful care she received by Dr. James W. Rominger and his staff, Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care of Texas, and caregivers close to her heart Christian, Liz, Agnes and Maria. All of you helped make each day special and gave her the chance to complete just "one more crossword puzzle" - in ink!

Survivors include her children, Caroline L. Crider and husband John, Pam L. Imig and husband Gary, Linda L. Leissner and husband Denton, Erik G.V. Liljenwall, II and wife Becky, Ted H. Liljenwall and wife Emily; brother-in-law, Robert J. "Bob" Liljenwall; fourteen grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service is planned for Friday, April 20th at Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Pl., San Antonio, Texas at 11:00 a.m. Honorary Pallbearers are John Crider, Gary Imig, Denton Leissner, Bob Liljenwall, John Oppenheimer, Dr. Norm Charlton, and Chuck Bakaly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Assistance League of San Antonio "Building Fund", 2611 West Avenue San Antonio, TX 78201, (210) 732-1200 or the charity of your choice.