Margaret Edwards

Margaret Lee Middleton Edwards passed away December 2, 2015, in Medford, Oregon at the age of 94. She would have celebrated her 95th birthday on December 15, 2015. As she joins her husband, Robert Edwards, she will be remembered by her three sons, James, Thomas, and Douglas Edwards, her sister, Barbara Long, her granddaughters, Megan McKittrick and Katherine Reaves, along with her great-grandsons, Joshua and Caleb Reaves, as well as the countless family members, friends, and acquaintances she inspired. Born in Lodi, California in 1920, Margaret Edwards grew up to be a vivacious lover of life. Even though there is much to fear in this world, she embraced it fearlessly. Even though there is so much tragedy, she found joy and shared it with those around her. In a letter to her granddaughter, she once wrote, “no matter the problem, His peace will be given,” and she modeled these words by living every day of her 94 years to the fullest. As a young woman, while the other wives stayed at the lodge, she rode horseback and hunted wildlife by her husband’s side – she was proud to say she took down a moose by herself. She went downhill skiing until she reached an age where her knees would no longer allow it; then she took up cross-country skiing until the rest of her body said no. She rode a Segway just a few years ago (by far the oldest person on the tour), and in August of this year, gripping the arm of her son for balance, she insisted she could still handle another Segway ride. Earlier this year, on a whim, she turned to her friend who was driving and declared, “Let's go to the coast!” The coast was not nearby, but they went anyway – just because. She said she never wanted the rust to form, so she never stopped moving, inspiring those around her to keep moving, as well. In addition to her adventurous spirit, she was an enthusiastic, lifelong learner. She attended the College of the Pacific (now the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California) and then on to nursing school, receiving her R.N. at Merritt Hospital in Oakland. She later went to work at Merritt and then worked at Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford, Oregon after moving to Oregon in 1975 upon the retirement of her husband, Dr. Robert L. Edwards. She raised three boys and supported her husband, an anesthesiologist and World War II Navy veteran. She knew the meaning of hard work and shared her experience with her family, mentoring them on the balance of work and life. In her retirement, her pursuit of knowledge continued. An avid reader and dedicated appreciator of art and history, she would discuss – passionately, with anyone who would listen – the books she read, the documentaries she watched, and the performances she attended. She couldn't contain her enthusiasm for any subject, as evidenced by that fact that, during her tour guide’s presentations, she often chimed in with further details, information, and anecdotes, enhancing the conversation with her zeal (as she did with just about any conversation with anyone: she brought life to every discussion). Those that knew her often found her dancing and singing with a broad smile on her face as she cooked, gardened, or cleaned around the house. As a young girl, she was a member of the Troubadours, a high school choral group, with aspirations of becoming a professional singer. Even though she chose not to pursue this career, she never stopped singing and dancing. A performer to the end, she starred in local television commercials, took up piano, and recorded her own album within the last 20 years. She was a caring companion and a joy to be around. She had a strong laugh that ended with a clap of her hands. She was always “delighted” when someone called, and she often remarked, “oh, how marvelous,” after listening attentively to one of her guest’s stories. She treated everyone she met like an old friend, and she cherished her family, particularly her three boys, wanting nothing more than to be in their company, to share in their lives, and admire them for their many successes. We are all better for knowing her, and we will continue to remember why.