Margaret A Hausler

HAUSLER,
MARGARET ANN —
Died peacefully at home on August 12, 2010, surrounded by her family and friends at the age of 87. Margaret was the daughter of Orpha (McDonald) and John Rogers and was born in the home over the family's bakery in Scottville, MI on January 3, 1923. In 1941, Margaret graduated as valedictorian of her class from St. Simon's High School in Ludington. She and her sister, Rosie, wanted to join the U.S. Navy WAVES after high school, but their parents wouldn't let them, so they enrolled in nursing school in Grand Rapids, MI. Margaret met her husband, Lee, a weather cadet in the U.S. Army Air Force, at a dance and was expelled from nursing school because she got married. In addition to raising 12 children, she still managed to stay actively involved in and committed to social causes, her community, and her country.

Margaret dedicated her spare time to volunteering for causes she believed in that reflected her commitment to education and social justice. During the 1960's, she felt the country's draft policy was unfair and counseled young men who were conscientious objectors. She took part in the anti-war demonstrations and peace rallies and picketed stores that sold non Farm Workers Union grapes. She was a long-time volunteer at the Head Start Program and worked as a classroom volunteer in both Benton Harbor and Jackson. Margaret was a staunch supporter of civil rights, was a lifetime member of the NAACP, and served as secretary of the Benton Harbor chapter during the late 1960's and early 1970's. She was active in the Jackson chapters of the National Organization for Women and the League of Women Voters, campaigned tirelessly for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment in the late 1970's, and worked on many political campaigns throughout the years. She also supported Jackson's AWARE Shelter, Crittenden House, and Catholic Social Services. A life-long learner, Margaret enjoyed taking classes at the University of Iowa, North Central Michigan College, Lake Michigan College, Spring Arbor College, and Jackson Community College (JCC). She received her associate's degree from JCC at the age of 80. She generously shared her love of books and reading with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Leland; two sisters, Loretta Nichols of Scottville, MI and Rosemary (Robert) Boone of Branch, MI; two sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Kent of Apache Junction, AZ and Patricia Hausler of Appleton, WI; 12 children, Katie of Tigard, OR, Karl (Judith Case) of Lansing, MI, Ann Harrington (Dave) of Melbourne, Australia, Greg (Rhonda) of Lambertville, MI, John (Randy Beggs) of Stone Mountain, GA, Mary (Doug Woodby) of Juneau, AK, Flo of Tigard, OR, Sheila (Pete Koda) of Cedar, MI, Rosemary (Jennifer Merritt) of Mercer Island, WA, Carole of Jackson, Jeanne of Bath, MI, and Paul (Tammy) of Jenison, MI. She was also extremely proud of her 29 grandchildren.

Margaret was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Rita and Jerry Wadel; brothers-in-law, James Hausler, Tom Nichols, and Dan Kent; sisters-in-law, Shirley (Jones) Hausler and Shirley (Peckman) Hausler; son-in-law, Naoki Kamiya; niece, Karen (Kent) Smith; and granddaughter, Bailey Channell. According to her wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 3 to 6 p.m. at the Cascades Manor House in Jackson, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Allegiance Hospice of Jackson or the Southern Poverty Law Center, Teaching Tolerance ampaign.
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