Margaret Ann Reif

Margaret Ann Reif was born September 22, 1946 in Yakima, Washington to Edgar and Martha (Pisar) Reif. She attended Saint Paul’s Cathedral School through 2nd grade then transferred to Nob Hill Elementary, just one block from home. Margaret attended St. Joseph’s Academy then transferred to Eisenhower High School where she graduated in 1964.

Margaret Ann loved styling hair and always wanted to become a hairdresser. After taking a few classes at Yakima Valley Community College, she enrolled in Mr. Lee’s Beauty College. Margie thrived in learning the ever-changing skills & styles the cosmetology profession offered. She practiced briefly at Mr. Fischer’s Styling Salon in Yakima before moving across the Cascades to Federal Way. There Margaret Ann bought her home and enjoyed a successful career spanning five decades as a hairdresser and stylist.

Whether responding to Margaret, Marg, Margie, Margaret Ann, or any variation thereof, she built a respected reputation in the industry. Margaret served on the Washington State Cosmetology Advisory Board and volunteered regularly at the professional conventions she attended throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. She loved a good “Hair Show.” Margie developed a loyal clientele of men, women, and children who followed her from one salon to the next, including favorites at Sea-Tac Red Lion Inn and Images in Auburn. She even had a small, unique station in her home and made house calls in times of need.

Margaret was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, an international women’s organization that focused on social, cultural, and civic enrichment. Her love of the colors black & gold and yellow roses was attributed to the Beta Sigma Phi tradition. Its motto, “Life, Learning, and Friendship,” encompassed her whole way of life.

Margie was a devoted Seattle Seahawks football fan and season ticket holder through 2002, often sharing VIP experiences with family and friends. She loved celebrating holidays, going to Mass and music performances, learning how to belly dance, and taking care of her many beloved cats and dog Poco. Her favorite clothing line, Christine Alexander of Auburn, made up the bulk of her stylish wardrobe which featured Swarovski crystals, bling, and animal prints. With sparkles in her eyes, she often reminisced about traveling and her trip to Hong Kong. Margie returned to Yakima in 2017 to be closer to family and childhood friends during her retirement and made many new friends over the years.

Margaret was blessed with faithful, loving friends and family members for whom she enjoyed shopping, decorating and creating gift bags. Knitting & crocheting scarves, blankets and bags became her favorite hobby in retirement, which afforded her time to create heartfelt gifts and meditate. She loved a good steak and seafood dinners, often picking up the tab or bringing food to the gathering. Margie was exceedingly generous and thoughtful, usually concluding conversations with an “I love you” and “God bless you.”

Margaret Ann Reif was preceded in death by her loving parents, Edgar and Martha Reif. She is survived by her younger sisters Diane Trampush (David), Stephanie Walsh (Ned); niece Erin Walsh and nephew Matthew Walsh; grand-nephew Dylan Walsh, grand-niece Bella Walsh, and grand-nephew Donovan Malland; and her extended-family pets Diamond and Friday.

For her sacrament of Catholic Confirmation, Margaret chose Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, known as The Little Flower who practiced her "Little Way," a spiritual approach that emphasizes doing small things with great love. Saint Thérèse promised to “spend her Heaven doing good on Earth.” Whenever you see a little flower or a yellow rose, we invite you to think of Margie and honor her memory.