Margaret Mary Stauffer, whose generous spirit and devotion to family earned her the love and respect of all who knew her, passed away peacefully Oct. 4, 2024, surrounded by her children and other relatives. Margaret, of Barto, Pa., was 95.
Margaret’s family – seven children, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren – was the largest source of joy and point of pride for the always kind, ever-humble woman who was dedicated to God, her late husband of 65 years, Willard H. Stauffer, her children and her Catholic faith.
She was a member of Most Blessed Sacrament Church of Bally her entire life, and she volunteered at the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto for many years.
Margaret lived for her family, but her own creativity and individuality blossomed in surprising ways when she whipped up meals for large gatherings of friends and family, sewed, painted and wrote long, loving letters to her family and friends in her elegant penmanship.
Margaret was best known for presiding over the family’s famous Friday night get-togethers, where neighbors, friends and relatives gravitated to the Stauffer home for food, fun and conversation that lasted hours, often fueled by Willard’s homemade wine and always by Margaret’s gracious hospitality.
Margaret was also a skilled baker and home chef who excelled at taking common ingredients and easily producing a feast that could feed a dozen or more guests; sometimes two or three tables were required to fit everyone on holidays, but the larger the crowd, the more she was in her element. She prepared meals for her family until she was 92, always using home-canned or fresh-from-the-garden vegetables.
Margaret’s kitchen always had an open door, a home-baked dessert and a cup of coffee ready for anyone who stopped in. And many did.
She loved going to public auctions, flea markets, and yard sales with her husband, having her grandchildren for extended stays, and traveling to visit her children.
Margaret often was known simply as “Mom” to her children’s friends, to spouses and to others. Her kindness, compassion and gentle nature made her the go-to person for family and friends who needed a shoulder to lean on, advice in a crisis, wisdom from her experience or just a place to feel at home.
Margaret was born in the Clayton area of Washington Township, Barto, Pa., in 1929 to Anthony and Marion Henry. She survived a hardscrabble childhood during the Great Depression. As a result, she was always determined to make sure her own children never wanted for any of life’s basics – including a loving environment.
She was a meticulous homemaker, embracing the hard work of nurturing a family and maintaining a household with a generous spirit and enthusiastic energy that sometimes even her kids and grandkids couldn’t match. Margaret, along with her husband, injected a solid work ethic into the family dynamic that served her children well and carried them far throughout their personal and professional lives.
Margaret will forever be remembered for her always-cold hands and her very warm and loving heart.
Margaret is survived by her seven children: Genevieve Stauffer Gehman (Tim McKnight) of Port Allegany; Michael (Joan) of Wyomissing; Ronald (Merced) of Boyertown; Theresa Stauffer Ziegler of Boyertown; Daniel (Karen) of Barto; Kathleen (Kimberly Theidon) of Mystic, Conn.; and Karen (Amanda Osborn) of Winter Park, Fla.; also, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. An infant son, Paul, died at birth. Margaret is also survived by three siblings, Mary Kuterbach, Joe Henry and Esther Bauer. She was predeceased by siblings Francis, Leon, Paul, Ivo, Josephine and Peter.
Morrell Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 610 Pine Street, Bally, Pa., 19503. Relatives and friends are also invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Margaret’s name to The National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, or Most Blessed Sacrament Church.
I am unable to come the funeral but I want to expres my sincere condoleneces to the best god mother ever. If there is anything I can do tdo to get the family over these difficult times please let me know. Please accept these flowers for a beautiful mother, grand mother and the best godmother. Again let me express my sadness at her passing. Jay Weinsteiger
I am unableto come tothe funeral,but I wnat to express my sincere condolence for the best god mother anyone could have. If there is anything I can do please let me know. jay weinsteiger
Aunt Margaret and her loving spirit will be missed by many people.
My most sincere condolences to all the hearts that Margaret ♥️ has touched.
God’s blessings for you all. 🙏
I will always remember the time when my mother sent me over to play and she always would send a note. What time Margaret should send me home.
Somehow, she wrote that I should come home at 5:45 which was usually a couple hours later than normal
Margaret fed me dinner and I was at the table where my mother walked over and said why didn’t you come home and then she said well it’s not 545 yet!
I also remember the carnivals we used to put together and the picnics in the woods
Deepest sympathy to you and all your family. Best wishes to all . David and Sealy.
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Your Mom was a sweet, sweet lady that I will always remember, not to mention being a wonderful friend of my Mom’s. She now goes to her eternal reward where I am sure she will be showered with love from her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ and her Heavenly Mom, Mary! To be able to see her reunion with everyone would be a joy! She always had a consoling and or an appreciative word to give you. I’ll miss you Margaret Stauffer and sure do love you! Love, Jo
She was truly a wonderful woman in all ways.
What a special lady that I had the privilege of knowing. She always had a smile and kind word to say whenever she saw you. My deepest sympathy to her family, friends and neighbors.
My sincere condolences to Ron and family. I just found out your mother passed. I did not know her but heard she was a very nice woman.