Margaret, referred to by her family and friends as Marge or Margie was a true follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, a beloved wife to Nicholas Argyropoulos, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her! She was born in the beautiful Smokey Mountain town of Tryon, North Carolina to Zenithan and Malinda Waters. She had two sisters – Viola and Anne, and three brothers -- Harold, Homer, and Harvey, all preceding her in passing.
While raised in North Carolina, at the age of 18, immediately following graduation from high school she moved to start her adult life in Washington, D.C. She was fearless, incredibly strong, dedicated to her family, friends, and God. In her early days in Washington, she worked for the Armed Services Security Agency in Arlington Hall as a “Code Girl” – supporting our nation in breaking codes for the US Military during World War II.
In 1948, she met the love of her life Nicholas (Nicky) Argyropoulos at the National Press Club. Nick and Margie danced that night and were inseparable, marring on January 6th, 1952, at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC. In 1954, Margie and Nick moved from the city to the beautiful community of Garrett Park, Maryland where they would raise their 2 children, Athena, and Paul. They lived on a street named “Jolly Way” for more than 56 years, which appropriately epitomized their nature and approach to life.
Margie’s journey in the Orthodox faith evolved and grew and in 1962 she converted to Greek Orthodoxy. As most know, converts are very often the strongest in faith and Margie became a pillar of faith in her beloved Church. The Church continued to be the foundation of faith and life together for
Marge and Nick – supporting Christ and the Cathedral, particularly the youth of the Cathedral for many decades.
Margie was an incredibly strong, independent, and loyal woman -- in many ways a trail blazer for women in those days, whose focus in life was her family, friends, and faith. Moving at such an early age from the very rural mountains of North Carolina to the “Big City” of Washington DC, with little more than the clothes on her back, to flourish in life proved her incredible strength and resilience. Nicky would often say, he had to buy Margie her very first pair of shoes – but Margie of course set him straight letting him know who the boss was!
After raising her children, Marge and Nick continued their involvement with the Church and explored the world, traveling to Asia, Europe, Greece, Italy, throughout North, Central and South America, the Holy Land, and many other fantastic places during their retirement. One of their favorite places to vacation was beautiful Hilton Head Island in South Carolina – where they spent time with their children and their spouses and grandchildren, Alexander, and Alyssa. Ultimately Athena, her husband Oliver and Margie moved to the Hilton Head area where Margie spent her remaining few years until her passing – emersed in all the great memories of the times spent together with family.
Always focused on family and their never-ending circle of friends, they lived AND enjoyed life together in the fullest. She leaves incredibly tough shoes to fill (now that she has some) and a legacy that will live eternally in the hearts of her family and friends.
Margaret is survived by her equally amazing daughter Athena and her husband Oliver Skinker – the best son-in-law ever; her loving son Paul and amazing daughter-in-law Kathy and their two children –son Alexander and his wife Karla, and daughter Alyssa. Margie and Nick also had another son, Thomas, who passed away as an infant – who she can now join along with Nicky in the arms of God. Margie is survived by her many nieces and nephews from both the Waters and Argyropoulos Family tree.
She, by her own testament, truly led an incredibly blessed life. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of her family and friends and may her memory be ever eternal. Margaret’s final place of rest will be with her beloved husband, Nick, and her Son Thomas at Arlington National Cemetery.
Visitation will be at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2815 36th St NW, Washington, DC 20007 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday June 28th The funeral will be held from 11:00 am to Noon, immediately followed by a celebration of Margaret’s life at the Cathedral.
In lieu of Flowers, contributions honoring Margie’s memory can be made to Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Youth Group “In Remembrance of Margaret Argyropoulos.” Checks can be sent to the Cathedrals address above in or donations can be made online at: https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/DC408/19343
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17