Margie Dean Stalbaum

Margie Stalbaum, 89, of Austin, TX passed away on Saturday, November 5, 2022 while a resident at Sagebrook Senior Health Center to be reunited in the loving arms of our Dad in heaven who has patiently awaited her arrival for 2 ½ years. She was born in Industry, TX on January 6, 1933. Margie had a twin sister who sadly died at birth. Margie graduated from Bellville High School. Although Margie had several suitors during her time in high school, her heart was captured by a tall, skinny, handsome, dark haired fella named Werner Lee Stalbaum who turned into her high school sweetheart. The two were united in marriage in Austin, TX on November 11, 1950. Margie, our beautiful Mom was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom for the majority of her 5 children’s lives. Although it was not easy to raise 5 children on a commissioned salesman's pay, none of us ever wanted for clean clothes, food on the table, clean house and most of all love. In mom’s later years, she did work at Trinity Publications where she was a proofreader of Catholic churches newsletters – I think she “retired” from there at least twice – she was loved so much they kept asking her to come back and Mom, being who Mom is, would go back until she finally retired in her 70’s.

Mom loved sewing, embroidery, cross stitching, decorating her home, music (Elvis of course) reading and watching all the “chick flicks” – she used to send Dad to Target every Tuesday to pick up the latest DVD releases. However, Mom enjoyed first and foremost her family. Of course she was the love of our Dad’s life and he was the love of hers but Mom loved nothing more than her ‘babies’. While Mom and Dad did have many struggles in their 69 years of marriage, they knew how to work through each difficulty, always ending up loving each other even more. Their marriage was a true testament and example to their children and grandchildren. Mom was truly dedicated to her family – she made sure she never missed anything that involved her 5 children and after that her grandchildren. She (and my Dad) attended every back-to-school night, band concert, dance recital, sporting event, awards ceremonies, graduations – you name it -she was there. It can’t be said enough, how much pride she had in all of us and how much she adored and revered her family (and we all certainly adored and revered her).

Mom/Mimi was definitely any child’s dream. Like our Dad, Mom believed in strong discipline but balanced with a whole lot of love (why all 5 of us turned out pretty darn good). While her children were growing up she sewed her two daughters many beautiful clothes (although, it might be said her youngest daughter was not AS appreciative at times -especially when Mom used ‘double-knit’ material – I know you are laughing at this one Mom!). She also made the best doll clothes and Barbie clothes – our friends were definitely jealous! Mom/Mimi read the best stories to all of her babies – she had a way of truly turning a story into reality and you just wanted her to read more and more to you. I think one thing that at least her two youngest children and all of her grandchildren remember with great fondness were the pallets she made on the floor beside her and my Dad’s bed – for her two youngest – it was a treat for us to sleep in Mom’s room when our Dad had to travel out-of-town for work; for all of her grandchildren it was where they slept during the many, many sleepovers at Mimi and Gee’s house.

There was a not a soul around who didn’t LOVE Mom’s cooking – from her homemade potato salad (no mustard allowed!!), German pancakes, fried chicken, and chicken-n-dumplings to even her Spam casserole (granted some us didn’t take too much to it – but hey, when you are feeding a family of 7 – you had to make the dime stretch as far as possible). But what Mom was most famous for was her pies, cakes and desserts. Some of her most loved ones included her homemade apple pie, buttermilk pie, Red Velvet cake and frozen French pastry – just to name a few. Mom was loved by everyone who met her, she had the sweetest disposition and worried for EVERYONE ELSE much more so than her own self – and that was almost up until the day she left us. I’m pretty sure that’s why she refused to die while her youngest daughter and oldest granddaughter were present – I’m sure she was saying – “It’s late you need to go home; I will be fine”. Even during the last few months when dementia really started taking over her mind, she remained so sweet and so pleasant. Mom, what will we do without you?

The family would like to give very special thanks to the entire staff at Sagebrook Senior Health Center but a very, very special thanks to the ENTIRE staff who worked on the 400 hall where Mom resided for almost 3 years including her sweet, sweet roommate – Miss Jenny – who called Mom her “sista” and was very protective of Mom. Angela would like to give extra special thanks to Sarah, LVN and Liz, CNA – these two treated Mom like she was their own Mom – the care and compassion they give are exceptional and they know that Mom loved them both like her own. Angela would also like to give special recognition to Krystal, the Activities Director, but also Mom’s “quality of life” person. Krystal – I don’t know what I would have done without you providing the weekly – sometimes more- connection between myself and Mom during those horrid, horrid times of Covid isolation. Lastly a special thank you to Verna, the Administrator – she always listened to Angela whenever she had a concern and addressed it always to the best of her ability. We would also like to recognize Traditions Hospice for providing exceptional care and support during these last several months of Mom’s life.

Mom, our hearts are so broken and so sad, but we know your time on this earth is done and we are blessed knowing that you are one more angel watching over us. We find joy knowing that you and Dad are once again two stepping, waltzing, and polkaing in each other’s arms as you should be. I can’t imagine how happy Dad was to welcome you back in his loving arms. We also find joy in knowing you are again reunited with your mom (Granny) and your dad, who you have missed so much since you were 18 years old. We love you and cannot wait to rejoice when we meet again.

Mom…….I love you…..I love you more….I love you most…..NAH AH….I love YOU most!

Margie is survived by her sister, Billie Wright; five children and their spouses – Debbie Stratton (Mike); Robert Stalbaum, Sr. (Debbie); Stephen Stalbaum (Janet); Angela Stalbaum (Moe); Darren Stalbaum (Kassie). Eleven grandchildren – Serena Bumpus (Ross); Michael “Corky” Stratton (Andi); Robert Stalbaum, Jr. (Jennifer); Meaghan Stalbaum, Jennifer Feldman (Brook); Racheal Benitez (Michael); Alisha Hobson (Denny); Casey Barone (Matt); Brandon Knapp; Austin Stalbaum (fiancé Lily); Sydney Stalbaum. Also survived and loved by 17 great grandchildren. Last but certainly not least she is survived by several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Margie is preceded in death by her husband, father, mother, twin sister and her baby sister, Betty Kelly.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, November 11, 2022 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas. Margie's funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel and she will then be laid to rest at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery. Following the committal service, there will be a reception for family and friends at the funeral home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Stalbaum family.