We knew her first as the “hat lady”. She was a breath of high society at our little Presbyterian church. She wore a different and fabulous hat with amazing coordinating earrings every weekend to earn herself such a title from my family! She came every week with her granddaughter Stephanie, who was beautiful, well behaved and a quiet child.
Margaret later joined the choir and we became fast friends even though there’s an age gap. It was quite a sacrifice for her to give up her hats but she loved to sing. I enjoyed immensely her marvelous snarky sense of humor. Margaret always had a smile on her face. It was clear as well that she adored her granddaughter Stephanie. Where ever one went the other went as well. Although Stephanie never joined the choir, that was her grandmother’s thing. Nonetheless they did attend services together through-out the years.
Margaret volunteered in many ways over the years. She was even our children’s choir director until an accident nearly “did her in”. She tripped over a stray child, who wasn’t where they were supposed to be. I don’t believe she was ever truly sturdy again, although she never complained. Only she could make a cane a true fashion accessory!
In this last year or so Margaret has not been able to attend our church and yet we have become closer than ever via Facebook. As was her nature, she quickly volunteered to assist me in editing my blog. My family had had about enough of forced reading of things I had written. They were tired of missing commas, run on sentences, and inappropriate lead in words. Margaret was ever diligent at reading and editing my work. She always had a cheerful demeanor and was gentle in her corrections. Once I even sent an email late at night, assuming she would find it in the morning. She was still up. She stayed up to finish editing before calling it quits for the night. She had been an executive secretary. Some habits die hard. She amazed me always.
She would privately message me stories about her beloved husband and some of their adventures. She always spoke kindly of her family and adoringly of her granddaughter. I stole… **&^%*^^^^ ooops I fell off my brag box from her, with her permission of course. She took great pleasure in me using her ideas and phrases. She was an excellent editor.
Mostly Margaret was a dear and sweet friend that I will treasure forever. I know my blogs will be plagued with missing commas, run on sentences and other grammar and punctuation issues. More importantly I know she is with our Savior right now demanding better hats with more unique accessories! She was one of a kind. She was inspiring. She was my friend. Rest in Peace Margaret Ascue. You were loved. Save me a spot at the good table!
By Vicki L. Pugliese
Introspective Sojourner 
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