Our mom Margie was born in Milwaukee, WI and lived there until her teens when the family moved to operate an apple orchard in Racine County, WI. She graduated from Waterford High School in 1951. After working, unhappily, as a secretary, she answered a newspaper ad (given to her by her mom) and was hired by Delta Airlines. After six weeks training in Kansas City, MO, she began her work on the ticket counter in Detroit, MI. Her airline colleagues in the 50’s were young, energetic, adventurous people who shared her zest for living and dreams of travel. Many remained life-long friends. It was here that she met and fell in love with Lowell Egger, her devoted husband of 50 years. They married in 1956, she quit her job, and their first two children were born. They transferred with Delta to Atlanta, GA in 1960, where their third child was born.
She gave her children music, a love for the arts, sport and dance, and enthusiastic academic support throughout their school years. The Egger household was always welcoming to their kids’ friends, a gathering place. Margie loved fireworks and threw many July 4th parties throughout the years. In 1977-8, Margie and Lowell hosted an American Field Service exchange student: new “brother”, Jack Penkin from Cape Town, South Africa. He was a joyful addition to the family and made all of us laugh, especially Mom. Then she began the fulfillment of her own dream: earning a college degree. Beginning at Clayton Junior College and graduating from Georgia State University, she surprised her family (and maybe herself) by continuing her education, earning a law degree. She passed the bar, worked for Catholic Social Services as a case writer, and then became a professional mediator for the Justice Center of Atlanta. She found this late-in-life career compelling and flexible.
Mom and Dad traveled extensively in the US and overseas, including South Africa, Turkey, Greece, Europe, and China. They moved from East Point to a beautiful old home in Druid Hills in the early 1980’s, which they lovingly maintained. After Lowell’s death, Margie moved to a new house in Marietta where she spent the next 18 years. She refused, however, to give up her memberships to the High Museum, the Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Botanical Garden, continuing to drive “downtown”. Building a new life as a widow, she found joy in decorating, entertaining, reading with her cherished book club, looking fabulous in her clothes, and hosting her children and grandchildren.
Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Gustav and Elsa (Mueller) Dettmann; and her beloved husband, Lowell Egger.
She is survived by her devoted children Cheri Egger Williams (Gary), Charlotte, NC; Eric Egger (Meghan), Marietta, GA; and Debra Egger LeVorse (Alex), Sandy Springs, GA; grandchildren Isabel Williams Skinner (Justin); Madeline LeVorse Connerton (Jeremy); Alyssa Levorse; Julianna LeVorse; and Jack Egger; great grandchildren Juno Connerton and Everett Skinner. She is also survived by her “honorary” son, Jack Penkin (Jo), Perth, AUS.
The family wishes to acknowledge loving family and friends: sister in law Gail Egger Ford; brother in law, Donnie Egger; dear friends Connie Gantt, Sandy Tiedemann, and Lynn Lettunich; members of the Manget Book Club. Special thanks to the many loving care providers at Inspired Living of Alpharetta; Agape Hospice, especially nurse Tara Arango.
A private family service will be held on Sunday, April 12 prior to the committal service.
A Committal Service will be held at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, US, on April 12, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. All friends are welcome.
She will be interred next to Lowell, wearing pink and covered in pink roses.
Arrangements are conducted by H. M. Patterson and Son - Arlington Chapel, Sandy Springs, Ga.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be given to the charity of your choice in her memory.
