Margaret Emily Best

Margaret was born on March 21, 1945. When she was only six years old, she experienced the loss of her birth mother to cancer. During her childhood, she was lovingly nurtured by several devoted housekeepers and by her grandmother, Emily Best.

Margaret developed a very special relationship with her stepmother Virginia Best who came into her life when she was 12 years old.

Margaret attended both public and private schools in Pontiac, Michigan, and graduated from Emmanuel Christian School. She went on to attend Eastern Michigan University, where her lifelong love of books and literature flourished. She earned a Master’s degree in Library Science and spent most of her professional career serving as a librarian at Eastern Michigan University.

Margaret had many creative talents and interests. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, watercolor painting, writing, reading, and visiting museums. When her nieces were young, she lovingly sewed beautiful clothing for them, including special outfits for their dolls. She had a particular affection for children's literature and treasured the joy that books could bring to young readers.

An avid traveler, Margaret delighted in exploring the beauty of other countries and learning about the people and cultures she encountered along the way. She also found great happiness in nature, spending time observing the wildlife that visited her yard and caring for the many cats she loved throughout her life.

Margaret was active in the local senior citizens center in Ypsilanti, where she enjoyed friendships, activities, and community involvement. Her kindness, intelligence, creativity, and gentle spirit touched many lives.

She is survived by her brother, John Best; her sister-in-law, Carolyn Best; and her beloved nieces, Audrey Crouch and Ruth Best. She was preceded in death by her father, Ernest Best; her mother, Mary Elizabeth Best; and numerous cherished cats, including her beloved Archie and Squeak. Margaret will be deeply loved, fondly remembered, and greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on June 20, 2026, at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive, Rochester, Michigan, at 11:00 A.M. Following the service, Margaret will be laid to rest at Mt. Avon Cemetery.