Margaret L. Tobin

Margaret learned early in life that material possessions matter little and that people came first. Throughout her life, she consistently showed her dedication to people, not just through the profession she chose, but the life she chose to lead. Margaret lovingly shared her time, energy and things with anyone in need.

Margaret Lenore was born on September 15, 1929. It was the same year of the infamous stock market crash which sent the United States into a financial downward spin. Money soon became scarce and the Great Depression began. What was once the land of opportunity was now the land of desperation. The average annual salary became $1,368; milk was 14 cents a quart and bread was 9 cents a loaf. People did what they could to make their lives happy without spending money. They gathered around the radios to listen to the Yankees, young people danced to the big bands and Franklin Roosevelt influenced Americans with his "Fireside Chats." It was during those desperate times that joyful parents Anthony and Magdalena (Wiltrakis) Zilonis, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were rejoicing over the birth of their first born child, Margaret Lenore.

She was the first born, but she wasn't to be the only child. Soon, Margaret and her parents welcomed into the family her younger sisters, Arlene and Mary Ann. Margaret attended SS. Peter and Paul School, Harrison Park School,and graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1947. Margaret was taught to play the piano at an early age and she became a talented piano player. She often played in the many concerts performed at St. Cecilia Auditorium. While in school, she was also very interested in science. She was a member of the science club where she was able to expand her scientific knowledge. Although school had been a wonderful experience, her senior year was by far, the best. That was the year she met Joseph Tobin.

She and Joseph enjoyed spending the next three years getting to know one another. They spent time, picnicking, going to the movies and just having fun together. They finally decided to get married, so in 1950, the couple eloped. They started off their marriage with very little money. They did however, manage to afford a small trailer to live in for a while before moving into an apartment. There was one time that money was so scarce for the them that for a week they ate only tomatoes, squash and day old bread. The couple didn't focus so much on money but more so on enjoying life. Joseph's favorite pastime was fishing. He often headed out to Lake Lansing to fish for blue gills and perch. A perfect day for them was a good day's catch, a one burner stove and a sunny day for a picnic.

The couple raised three children, Michael, Ruth and Terri. While the kids were in grade school, Margaret enjoyed being involved in the school system. She was a house mother for the younger grades and she felt good being present in the school while her daughter was in her classroom there. Margaret also spent time as a poll worker and a volunteer for the Republican Party. After retiring from the Washington Hospital in Pittsburgh she spent more time doing the things she loved. She also loved to spend time in the kitchen and her favorite meals to make were ethnic foods. Her favorite meal to eat, however, was a tasty steak and fresh corn on the cob. She enjoyed taking time to relax with a good book. Margaret had a green thumb, and with it she often grew a robust vegetable garden which she willingly shared with the neighborhood raccoons.

As the years went by, Margaret's children grew up and began families of their own. Her daughter Terri blessed Margaret with three boys, Jim, Jake and Joe. Ruth also blessed Margaret with a beautiful granddaughter named Kristin. The joy of family made Margaret happy, however, sad times moved through her life as well. She grieved the loss of her son Michael, as well as, her husband, Joseph, and daughter Ruth Held. Margaret had been cared for at St. Ann's Home for many years. The care givers there were available to Margaret to meet her needs and make sure she was comfortable during her time at the home.

Margaret lived a full life with family she loved and cared for and friends along the way. She reached out to others in need and did her best to be a good citizen. She was happy with the simple things in life and all who knew her will miss her strong commitment to helping others. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Mrs. Margaret Lenore Tobin, aged 76, of Grand Rapids passed away on November 4, 2005. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Tobin; son Michael Tobin; and daughter Ruth Held. Margaret is survived by her daughter Terri (Michael) LeSarge; grandchildren Jim, Jake, and Joe LeSarge; Kristin Held; sisters Arlene (Anthony) Chiodo, and Mary Ann (Paul) Carter. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 7, at 10:30a.m. at St. Ann 's Home, 2161 Leonard NW. Interment in SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read Margaret's life story or to make a memorial contribution to St. Ann 's Home.