| Graduation Year | Class of 1963 |
| Date of Passing | Feb 01, 2008 |
| About | Margaret Jane Bixby Portage Lake United Church 1400 E. Houghton Ave. Houghton, MI 49931 Service: Saturday, February 9, 2008 11:00 AM Portage Lake United Church 1400 E. Houghton Ave. Houghton, MI 49931 Portage Township Margaret Jane Bixby, age 63, passed away on Friday February 1st, 2008 at Portage Health center in Hancock Michigan after a long battle with cancer. Margaret was born December 2nd, 1944 to Roy and Nelda (Sherwood) Wallis in Durand Michigan. Margaret has five siblings; Barbara Wallis, S. Russell Wallis, James married to Brigitte Wallis, Robert Wallis and Richard married to Rhea Wallis. Margaret was married to Howard Bixby on December 30th, 1968 in Madison Wisconsin. Howard’s parents are John and Gloria Bixby. He has two siblings John “Jack†married to Mary Ellen Bixby, and Robert Bixby. Margaret and Howard have three daughters; Kathryn Bixby, Martha LaMar, and Mary Bixby. They have two grandchildren Alexander LaMar and Lauren LaMar. They have many nieces and nephews; Rachel Harnish and Andrew Barton and their daughter Natalie Barton, Roy Harnish, William Wallis, Travis Wallis, Hyla Wallis, Erich Wallis, Ian Wallis, Ericka Wallis, James Wallis, Phillip and Susan Bixby and their daughter Melanie, Sarah Bixby and Kevin O’Grady and their daughter Ava. Margaret graduated as a valedictorian from Durand High School. She attended Michigan State and graduated with a bachelor’s in Bacteriology from University of Wisconsin Madison. She received her Masters in Entomology from the University of Wisconsin. Margaret worked as a Microbiologist for the State of Wisconsin for 17 years. She worked in the Peace Corps in Managua, Nicaragua in 1972 and 1973. She was a Girl Scout Leader and camp counselor. Margaret loved music and taught Suzuki piano, sang in choir, and played the organ for the Congregational church in Kewaunee Wisconsin. She felt blessed to be able to care for her mother and grandchildren for the past ten years. Howard and Margaret fulfilled their long awaited dream to live in the Keweenaw. Margaret is preceded in death by her father Roy and father-in-law John. She is survived by her mother Nelda and mother-in-law Gloria, her husband Howard, all her siblings, children, nieces and nephews and grandchildren. Margaret loved nature, outdoor activities, playing the piano and organ, reading and spending time with her family who will greatly miss the brightness her life shed on all those who knew her. Her presence can now be shared by everyone who loves her where she will be in our hearts and thought forever. Funeral services for Margaret will be held 11 a.m. Saturday February 9, 2008, at the Portage Lake United Church of Houghton with Rev. Victoria Bethel to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton. Friends may call on Saturday February 9, 2008, at the Portage Lake United Church in Houghton from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. To view Margaret’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. Memorial Chapel Funeral Homes Inc. Margaret Bixby Online Memorials To send a note to the family, complete the form below. To Margaret's family, and especially to Barbara, Russel and Jim, I want to send my sympathy for your great loss. And I want to tell you that her passing has greatly affected me. I was a childhood friend, and Margaret played a significant role in my growing up years. I believe that we first met in 6th grade when we attended the brand new Robert Kerr school. At that age, we of course just played together, and I think I have a recollection of us deciding we were going to learn track events. We were especialy enamored with the high jumpt. At recess or after school, we would run and see who could jump the highest over the bar on the frame my dad had set up for us at the school. I think I remember this because I thought of myself as a great athlete, and I was appalled that Margaret could always out-jump me. Of course that was also the year that we were introduced to "band" with Mr. Lindsay, a very important part of the years to come. I was close to Margaret through many shared activites and classes, and I was close to her particularly because we both shared a passion for music. We were both in the band and in the choir, we were both pianists, and we each took our first organ lessons in the 8th grade from the same teacher, Miss Wilcox. The band was so good and the organization so strong, that it was only natural that most of our closest friendships were spun off from that group...Becky, Mary, Esma, Lynne, Jeanne, Anne, Peggy, Terri, and others... who played in concerts and solo and ensemble, suffered through tryouts and challenges, fast marched "8 to the 5", and rode in "Bubbles" to "The Grill" for a coke after marching band practice. And, of course, there was "The Trio"...Jane Bell, Margaret, and me who sang together often from 8th grade throughout high school. "Little Bread and Butterflies kissed the tulips..." and "Lift Thine Eyes", "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" (in French for some reason), and our final Honors Assembly performance of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Throughout all of those years, I remember Margaret as a sweet, upbeat, wholesome, ready-to-laugh friend. I also remember how excited she was when her baby brother was born, and how she would share funny little stories about him as he became a toddler. It was during that period that I learned from her the phrase, "stupid Eyor". I wasn't familiar with the Winnie the Pooh stories then, so I wasn't really sure what that meant. I only know that it was connected to the baby in some way, and that Margaret would laugh gleefully every time she said it. That phrase stuck with me, and I admit that I have at secretly and laughingly employed that term under my breath, when applicable, even into my adulthood. The last time I saw Margaret was at a high school reunion several years ago in Flint. It was the first time I had seen my classmates in over well over 20 years. Margaret, her mother, and Barb sat down at our table...Margaret next to me. She had seemed withdrawn, almost reclusive, and I became determined to "bring her out of her shell." So I kept teasing her and reminding her of funny things or sayings that were from our school days, and finally she started laughing, then turned to me and said, "You were always so funny!(or maybe she said, 'silly' or 'ridiculous')." I was just happy to reconnect and to hear her great laugh. It was only later in the evening that someone told me that Margaret had just recovered from Cancer. At first I was taken aback, wondering if I had seemed insensitive. But afterward I was glad I hadn't known, because I think she needed to laugh. I don't know if anyone ever deserves to suffer through such a horrible illness. But I know for certain that Margaret did not deserve it. Margaret was one of the nicest, most wholesome, most optimistic, most giving person I have ever known. And even though we did not keep in touch throughout our adult lives, I have every confidence that she took those characteristics into her adulthood, into her marriage and into her motherhood. I know that she would have loved you dearly and would have taken good care of all of you, just as she would have delighted in your being a part of her life. I remember one of Mrs. Chaney's favorite quotes: "I am a part of all I have known." Margaret is a part of me. I grieve with you. I feel as though I have lost a sister. From: Vicki (Mikan) Oberlin 02/09/2008 06:01 AM Howard, I am thinking of you. Reading th obituary helps us all to know your wife was special. From: Laurie Thomas 02/08/2008 05:59 PM Howard, Mary and family I am so sorry for your loss. Margaret was such a wonderful addition to our girl scout troop as were you Mary. Our prayers are with you in this time of loss. Marge and Anneliese From: Marge Stuht 02/08/2008 03:41 PM It was a sad news that Margaret has passed away so soon after she retired from the State Lab of Hygiene. She gave piano lessons for my kids and I used to chat with her in the car coming home together from the State Lab for kids' piano lessons. She was a very good teacher and she will be remembered as a gentle and loving person. My deepest sympathies are with you all. From: Youngmi Kim 02/08/2008 12:44 PM Sorry for the loss, it is always hard, but time will heal. But you never forget. Our love and prayers. Ken and Judy From: Ken and Judy Payment 02/08/2008 10:24 AM Sorry to hear of the long challenge Margaret went through. Of course we "shared" the Detroit Street house..it was always fun to visit you guys since I had lived there. I always had such fun with the Wallaces. I respect Nelda and her great intelligence so much. She gave so much to our Troop 40. Margaret did much with her life and I am proud to have shared part of her lifetime. Hugs to you all. Lynne Durling Davis From: Lynne Durling Davis 02/07/2008 06:30 PM We were saddened to hear of Margaret's death. In the years I worked with her at the State Lab, she was always there to work through problems with determination and her quiet good humor. I have fond memories of those work days together. From: Bob & Lynda Bennin 02/07/2008 12:23 PM I'm very sorry to hear about Margaret's death. She was a close friend of mine throughout high school. I recall many wonderful overnight parties at the Wallis house plus Girl Scout activities especially the astronomy field trips with Margaret and her dear mother. Cherish your beautiful memories of your wife and mom and "grandma". My prayers are with all of you! From: Jeanne (Frankovich) McDonald 02/07/2008 12:13 PM Howard - I am very sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds as though the pain if finally over. My thoughts are with you and your family during this tough time. From: Chris Theder 02/07/2008 09:36 AM Howard and Family: Deb and I are so sorry to hear about Margaret's death. I can't imagine how difficult it has been for all of you. I remember when you and I were making trips to U.W. Hospitals, Howard; you for Margaret and I for my Mom. They have both left the difficulties, sorrows and pains of this world behind. May God give all of you strength and grace as you work through the loss of your wife and mom. When life begins to look bright again, give me a call Howard, it would be great to hear from you. Our prayers are with all of you. Brian and Deb Moyer (608)524-8474 From: Brian Moyer 02/06/2008 10:10 PM Howard, You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your wife. My prayers are with you. I am sure wonderful memories will stay with you forever. From: Sandra Schultz 02/06/2008 06:01 PM Howard and Family I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. From: Marla Bernhardt 02/06/2008 04:41 PM Howard, I am sorry to hear about your loss. Your memories will always be with you to make you smile. You will be in my prayers. Wayne From: Wayne Kopp 02/06/2008 02:45 PM Howard My thoughts are with you in your time of loss. I know your family has struggled with Margaret through her illness. I will keep you all in my prayers. From: Glenn Goldschmidt 02/06/2008 02:04 PM Howard - I'm so sorry to hear about Margaret. I know you both fought long and hard and her journey home is over. I'm sorry I won't be able to celebrate her life with you - you and your family are in my thoughts. Cherish the memories. From: Erin Nutter 02/06/2008 12:58 PM Sorry to hear about your loss.My late wife Mary Hammond hads lots of found memories of the Wallis family. From: Ray Tombaugh 02/05/2008 09:31 PM We love you mom. The kids miss you but know that you are with them. marty From: Martha LaMar 02/04/2008 03:44 PM |
