Margaret L. Denholm (Cook)

STOW - Margaret L. Denholm, (Cook), age 96, spent the last possible ounce of love left in her heart and passed away peacefully in the early hours of February 12, 2023. For the last six months, she was determined to bravely endure the measures that could be taken to remain longer with loved ones and to keep her strength and independence. She remained optimistic and determined until very near the end. She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Albert, and beloved sons, Timothy and Ronald. She is survived by sons, (spouses), Albert, Jr. (Beth), Michael (Sue), Thomas (Leslie), and daughters, (spouses), Linda (Adam) Ollinger, Donna (Tom) Cox, and Carol (Don) Riccillo; daughter-in-law, Luann Denholm, fifteen grandchildren, and twenty-five great-grandchildren.

Margaret’s life traced most of the 20th century. We see her as a young child, oldest of five, in north Akron, innocently at play during the Great Depression; at Saint Martha’s Elementary School, then at North High School, taking a turn as Snow Queen, and where she would meet her lifelong sweetheart, Albert. We see her going to work after high school in the office at BF Goodrich for several years, and where she would anxiously receive an overseas phone call from Albert, serving in WWII Europe, made rarely and with difficulty at that time, while the rest of the office went excitedly silent for her. After one and a half years of worrying for his safety and with her future uncertain, we see her finally, joyously, reuniting with Albert upon his return from The War, and we see them in marriage a year later. In the early 1950s, we see her, with Albert, celebrating their first child, then again and again, until finally there were five boys and three girls by the late1960s; and we hear her singing lullabies to them all in her rocking chair. We see her late on a summer night on the screened back porch with several of her children as man first steps on the moon. And all through the years, as a full-time homemaker, we see her cheerfully prepare thousands of meals, do thousands of loads of laundry, make thousands of shopping trips to provide for her family, and countless other tasks required by a large family. Upon Albert’s retirement, we see them indulge in much travel, surprisingly adventurous considering her humble upbringing ~ twice to Europe, to California, cruise to Alaska, to the Bahamas, and a long driving trip across the U.S. to the western parks after Albert’s retirement.

But life is not always a bed of roses, and we also see her fearful in the hospital as Albert twice undergoes life-saving heart surgeries; true to her nature, we see her tirelessly support his recoveries. We see her in the hospital herself, almost 20 years ago, after a life-threatening stroke, then at home making a full recovery, not to easily be defeated. And we see her in great sorrow, within the last 20 years, as she prematurely loses two sons to disease.

Family was always Margaret’s life, and along the way came grandchildren and great-grandchildren to help sustain her, and she continued to pour out love from her heart for each and every one, her excitement never flagging for yet one more, right up to the very last barely six months ago. She laughed at their antics and enjoyed re-telling of them to others.

She was well-spoken, liked to dress nicely, had a sense of fashion, appreciated fragrances, and was particular with quality of food and drink, but was never vain. She had a quick sense of humor, could laugh at herself, and had a pleasant demeanor, which endeared her to everyone she knew. She enjoyed reading novels, although resorted to audio books due to impaired vision in later years, rather than give in to the disability. She enjoyed English royalty, culture, and their language for its refinement. She was socially aware and sophisticated beyond her modest upbringing and the education expected of women in the first half of the 20th century.

Her love was open, unconditional, and true. What she experienced, endured, and celebrated in her long life, and contemplating all that she did for so many of us, is awe-inspiring. It was a privilege for us to care for her in the last few months of her life, a small price to pay for all that she gave to us. She was a wonderful role model, not only as a mother and woman, but also as a human being. Her career and mission in life was to be a devoted partner and raise a family as best she could, and she fulfilled it beautifully.

Private burial service at Western Reserve National Cemetery, Seville, Ohio.

Family asks that donations be made in Margaret’s name to the American Heart Association , Alzheimer’s Association , or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital .