Margery died in her sleep on January 19, 2021 in St. Louis, MO from complications of pneumonia. She is survived by two children (Susan and Charles), one grandson (David Mitchell), one brother (Rev. Robert Wind of Richmond, VA), two sisters-in-law (Shirley and Ann), the 14 children of her brothers as well as the children of her late cousin Diana Mortensen (nee Wind).
Margery was born in Buffalo, NY on July 25, 1927 to Ella Wind (nee Rother) and Rev. Henry F. Wind. She was the youngest of three siblings, the others being Charles (Bud) and Robert (Bob). Margery grew up in Buffalo and knew from age five or six that she wanted to be an artist. After high school she attended what was then Albright Art School. She was the first woman to win its highest award upon graduation.
In 1949 she married Rev. Reuben C. Baerwald. They moved to St. Louis, to Geneva, NY, and to Alton, IL. In 1956 Margery, with young Susan and Charles, moved back to St. Louis where for many years Margery was art director of the ad agency Advertising Directors. After Advertising Directors Margery pursued portrait painting full time.
Her family and many friends remember her for her immense creativity, her charm and passionate enjoyment of life. She was an exceptionally accomplished cook and gave memorable dinner parties. She loved intelligent conversation. Her creative energy touched everything she did, from sewing to refinishing every surface in her home to laying brick terraces and painting murals to gardening.
As an example of Margery’s spirit and adventurousness, in 1962 she took a break from Advertising Directors and, with her children, traveled to Munich, Germany to visit/stay with dear friends, the Sittlers, whom she’d met in Alton. The family ended up living in Germany for two years, first in Munich and surrounds then in a little village outside of Frankfurt in the Taunus Mountains. It was a great experience for all. Margery, not knowing German but knowing she had to earn a living, took her portfolio and knocked on doors of agencies and potential clients. Being an American at that time was an advantage for her, clients wanted that “American” look. She did fashion sketching for Women’s Wear Daily, she did product ads, anything that needed her graphic skills. Once she was approached by friends with friends in, as it was then, East Berlin to see if she’d be willing to help smuggle them out using her American passport. She was intrigued but declined because she had kids to look out for. She liked adventure, but her family always came first.
She never wanted to quit. Even after a debilitating stroke, in which she lost the use of her left side, she was determined to get better and return to her life. This was her goal to the end. Her spirit was conveyed even in a photo. A photo of her taken just days before her death, when viewed by a total stranger, prompted the comment “she looks sassy!” Health care workers described her as spirited but sweet, with ready stories that got us laughing. Everyone who encountered her in her 90s commented that ‘she’s sassy’, feisty, but sweet.
One of her repeated sayings was “ban all guilt”. In the sense that guilt often hinders a person’s positive forward progress.
A sampling of comments from friends:
“Such an extraordinary person with so much energy, creativity and humour.”
“…your mom’s wry humor…I remember her as having an extra bit of spunk that few others had.”
“I adored her artistic talent, I found her very beautiful even though she was at an advanced age.”
“A remarkable woman”
“What a lovely and loving, humorous and strong character she was!”
“A brave and pioneering woman”
“Such a talented and beautiful woman. She was way before her time”
“Pioneering”
“So sweet”
“I loved your mom's charm and humor, her artistic flair in the studio and in the kitchen!”
“Marge was such a special person and so caring and talented as well.”
“…lucky to experience that funny, sly and mischievous part of Marge.... really quite extraordinary.”
“A remarkable human being. Her creativity was apparent in everything she did. . .from the way she dressed, the cozy and comfortable way she arranged her home, to her art and amazing culinary skills.”
“What a gracious and talented lady she was!”
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