- Born on: August 6, 1925
- Departed on: December 6, 2020
- Resided in: Burlington, IA
Margaret Orr
Margaret Orr, age 95 died on December 6, 2020 in Burlington, Iowa, where she was also born on August 6, 1925. Her devoted parents were Icel Cottrell Turner and Berle Turner. Margaret grew up during the Great Depression and WWII. Both events significantly shaped her life. Margaret was the first in the family to attend college. She graduated from the University of Iowa, in 1948 in Business Education. She obtained her Master’s degree several years later and was always a proud Hawkeye. She proudly taught a variety of Business subjects for forty years and took great pride in seeing many of her high school students successfully launch careers using shorthand and typing skills. She headed up the BCHS Business Department for 25 years, always cherishing her memories of great colleagues and wonderful students. In 2007, she was inducted into the BCHS Hall of Honor.
Music was always an important part of Margaret’s life. She usually had a song in her heart, which she could sing spontaneously. She sang, played the piano and violin most of her life, especially enjoying being part of the SE Iowa Symphony for many years, and the Shoquoqon Quartet. She was deeply honored to become a lifetime board member of the symphony. Even when she was not actively playing, she attended and supported local concerts of the symphony, municipal band, and Civic Music.
Margaret had many interests-she loved all animals and owned many beloved pets over the years. She enjoyed her backyard birds and creatures. She belonged to many groups including Delta Kappa Gamma, Treble Clef and Retired Teachers. She was a proud Democrat, a Methodist, and a wonderful grandmother. Margaret has one daughter, Michaela Tilgner (Steve DeCock), and four grandchildren: Chad, Jennifer, Matt and Yoshi. The past 43 years were filled with immeasurable joy and memories with her dear companion, Frank Paolo.
Burlington was the starting place and the finale for Margaret’s wonderful life. Her smile, optimism, and generosity will always be remembered. Despite vision, hearing, and cognitive losses, she enjoyed each day, kept a song in her heart, loved life and truly cared about other people. No service is planned at this time. A Celebration of Life memorial will be held sometime in 2021. Memorials to the Des Moines County Humane Shelter or Heifer.org.
Music was always an important part of Margaret’s life. She usually had a song in her heart, which she could sing spontaneously. She sang, played the piano and violin most of her life, especially enjoying being part of the SE Iowa Symphony for many years, and the Shoquoqon Quartet. She was deeply honored to become a lifetime board member of the symphony. Even when she was not actively playing, she attended and supported local concerts of the symphony, municipal band, and Civic Music.
Margaret had many interests-she loved all animals and owned many beloved pets over the years. She enjoyed her backyard birds and creatures. She belonged to many groups including Delta Kappa Gamma, Treble Clef and Retired Teachers. She was a proud Democrat, a Methodist, and a wonderful grandmother. Margaret has one daughter, Michaela Tilgner (Steve DeCock), and four grandchildren: Chad, Jennifer, Matt and Yoshi. The past 43 years were filled with immeasurable joy and memories with her dear companion, Frank Paolo.
Burlington was the starting place and the finale for Margaret’s wonderful life. Her smile, optimism, and generosity will always be remembered. Despite vision, hearing, and cognitive losses, she enjoyed each day, kept a song in her heart, loved life and truly cared about other people. No service is planned at this time. A Celebration of Life memorial will be held sometime in 2021. Memorials to the Des Moines County Humane Shelter or Heifer.org.
