Obituary of Margaret Hadley Nightingale

Nightingale, Margaret Hadley age 93, passed away with her family by her side on August 26, 2015 at Auburn Homes in Chaska, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Preceded in death by parents: William and Margaret (Ells) Hadley; and sister, Dorothy Thomson. Survived by her husband Charlie Nightingale; 3 children: William (Yuen) Nightingale, Suzan (Mike) Petersen, and Terri (David) Dlouhy; 13 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Margaret “Margie” was born January 22, 1922 in MPLS. Graduated from Washburn High School (1940). Married Charlie E. Nightingale “Buzz” on September 23, 1942, during his service in the U.S. Coast Guard. Today, they celebrate 73 years of marriage! Humor, intuitiveness, and self-motivation propelled her 46-year-long career in retail sales selling “women’s-wear” (Schlampp & Sons Furriers; boutiques in MPLS and Yuma, AZ; Christopher & Banks) as she managed her own alterations business. Lifetime hobbies/social activities: sewing, knitting, gardening, shopping; dancing, bowling; and Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church Twilight Circle; riding her moped with her sparkly blue helmet! Sang and played piano, organ, guitar, accordion or Omni chord. “Unique” describes Margaret’s pets: Schnauzers & other breeds; myna, cockatiel, & parakeet birds; Quaker & Amazon green parrots; kittens; and a spider monkey! Remembered as a loving wife and supportive partner; an understanding mother who listened and then, questioned; a disciplinarian. Independent thinker; firm decision-maker. Demonstrated strength in spirit by her positive attitude, her smile, and her infectious wink of an eye. Margaret will be truly missed and forever cherished in our hearts! Memorial service held August 29 at Auburn Marvel Chapel in Chaska; Pastor Brent Birdsall and Chaplain Carol Wachter officiated.