Margaret L. Thatcher's Obituary
Decatur-Margaret L. Thatcher, 93, of Decatur, passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at her home in Macon surrounded by her family.
Margaret was born June 17, 1923 in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of Michael and Marie (Clements) Boland. She graduated from St. Teresa High School and worked as a secretary for Judge James Palmer and Judge Jerry Patton and retired in 1978. She married David R. Thatcher on July 6, 1946 in Decatur and they shared sixty-seven years together. He preceded her in death on October 9, 2014.
She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and Alpha Chi Beta Sorority. Margaret was a life-long Cubs fan and an epic baker who was known for her amazing pies and noodles. She and her husband danced for many years with the Dorothy Foster Dance Club and she loved going to the casinos and gambling parlors to play the poker machines. But what she loved most was spending time with her family. She adored her daughter and son-in-law with whom she lived with for the last five years, and her face lit up when she spent time with her granddaughters and great-grandsons. She also enjoyed her monthly get togethers with her nieces and nephews whom she loved like her children.
Margaret is survived by her daughter, Susan Gallagher and husband Jerry of Macon; granddaughters Kelli Viehl and husband Kirk of Edwardsville and Michelle Johnson of Moweaqua, great-grandsons Logan Thatcher Gallagher of Decatur and Boman and Maxton Johnson of Moweaqua, and many nieces and nephews.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; husband David; brothers, Clement “Bud”, Paul, and Bob Boland; sisters, Loretta Keyes, Bernice Fournier, and Ina Tatman-Renner; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express our thanks and appreciation to Vicki, Becky, Jim, Matt, Mitch, and Leon with DMH hospice who gave Margaret exceptional care and attention.
Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Margaret’s life will be 1:00 PM Saturday, April 29, 2017 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2160 N Edward St, Decatur, with Rev. Rick Weltin celebrant. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Decatur. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To celebrate her life and passion for shoes, the family would like to encourage everyone to wear their favorite happy, colorful shoes.
What’s your fondest memory of Margaret?
What’s a lesson you learned from Margaret?
Share a story where Margaret's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Margaret you’ll never forget.
How did Margaret make you smile?