Born on October 31, 1938, in Savanna, Illinois, to Charles and Marjorie Pfeiffer, she devoted herself to raising her two children, Kelly and Bobby. In 1970, she began a career as a physical therapy aide (they were called assistants back then) and, with great care and compassion, dedicated over 30 years to patients. She is often described as spunky and a spark of joy. Her light will shine in our hearts forever.
She was educated at Savanna Schools and Sauk Valley Community College. In high school, Margo was convinced by her lifelong best friend, Beverly, to go on a double date with twin brothers. They each married their respective dates a couple of years later. Margo and Robert Atherton married on October 26, 1956. In Savanna, Illinois. Morrison became their hometown.
She enjoyed many passions and hobbies. Her church and church family were important factors in her life. As a member of the First Presbyterian Church, she served as an elder, Sunday School teacher, and on many committees. Later, she joined the Emmanuel Church in Morrison and enjoyed a loving church family there as well. Margo and Bob were also active in faith-based Marriage Encounter.
Margo enjoyed Bridge club, neighborhood coffees, and a couple of very close friends. She donated her time as a Brownie leader, Cub Scout den mother, Wa Tan Ye, and many others. Margo served on the boards of PTA, Lincoln Land Red Cross, and United Way.
Margo was a fabulous cook. Hamettes, apple dumplings, and lasagna were some family favorites. She loved creating a variety of ethnic dinner parties for friends, as well as fun costumed murder mystery parties. She passed her love of cooking and Christmas décor and celebrations to her children.
Her love of travel took her to many countries around the world. The snakes in the hotel pool in Singapore were not her favorite, however.
Margo was a talented seamstress and created beautiful clothing for her daughter and home décor – from draperies to slipcovers.
She delighted in time spent with her five siblings, her husband’s siblings and their families. She instilled in her children a love of extended family time. Above all, Margo glowed around her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her second great-grandson was born the day before her passing. Margo anxiously awaited his birth and questioned “Baby yet?” many times a day. Grandma Margo was the kind of grandma who would play make-believe for hours and maintain a high level of silliness that they loved. And pets – she gave her heart to many cats and dogs through her life. In return, they brought immense joy and companionship to her. Margo passed that deep love of animals to her children.
She is survived by her daughter, Kelly Atherton Vegter (Mike), son, Robert Craig Atherton (Marianne). Grandchildren: Michael Atherton Vegter, Samuel Robert Atherton, Nicholas Jordan Atherton (Nikki), and honorary granddaughter Hannah Grace Norman. Great-grandchildren: Emerson William Vegter and Sebastian Casimir Burgraff Atherton. Beloved brother, Frederick Pfeiffer, along with many treasured nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, sisters, Priscilla Pfeiffer, Charmion Ewing, Judith Wilmarth, Rebecca Cravatta-Crisci, brother, James Pfeiffer, and brothers and sisters-in-law, their spouses, and friends whom she considered family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margo, please visit the floral store. Condolences can be shared at bosmarenkes.com.
