Margaret Jorgensen

Main Album

Dear Family Margaret has been a very dear friend for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. From high school times I (Joyce) have many happy and wonderful memories. She was a very special woman. Love and Hugs, Joyce and Guy

My grandma, Margaret Hovde Jorgensen passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 101. She was born on October 1, 1908 and was fortunate to experience a full life over two centuries. Grandma was one of 12 children. She was conceived in Norway and born in America. Life was difficult, but like mother and daughter, Grandma Hovde was a very strong and smart woman. It wasn't long before the family settled and life took on new meaning in America. My Grandma was a blessing to me and always seemed so full of life and immortal. I knew she would be blessed with a long life and from a young age, I wanted to live to be 100 too. I think she impressed me most with her great intellect, optimism and fascination for life. I have always modeled myself after her, using her good habits to influence the quality of my own life. She always ate well, so I took an interest in nutrition, and understanding the importance of "you are what you eat". Eating small meals and healthy snacks was her routine. Grandma also understood the importance of rest. She survived polio as a young girl, although you'd never have known it. As a young girl, I wondered why she liked to take naps, and now, as an adult, I understand the importance of it, and also believe in the importance of rest. Grandma never pushed herself too hard as a result. She took life as it came to her and never seemed to be overscheduled by the demands of life. She raised three wonderful daughters, my mom, Betty, and aunts Carol and Judy. She was very proud of each of them. Mom used to tell me how difficult it was growing up as a young girl in the 1940's, but Grandma ran a tight ship and everyone was well provided for. She also had a big heart for each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always interested in our lives. In fact, each time we'd write to her, she'd save all of our letters and pictures. I didn't know, until years later, as an adult, how much this would mean to me. She loved to go back and look at our correspondence over time, just as I do now. Grandma loved to play cards, especially rummy and cribbage. We would often sit and play for hours at a time. She loved a good challenge and was a great opponent. Even now, as my husband and I enjoy playing cribbage, I always think of Grandma and all the card tricks she taught me. Grandma also loved to read and enjoyed the newspaper every day of her life. It was important to her to know what was going on in the news, especially concerning politics. We shared many good debates, and she only helped to strengthen my convictions. So, may you rest in peace now Grandma, knowing that your work here is done and your accomplishments are many. Thank you for all you've done for me, Grandma. I love you and you will continue to live in my heart and influence me each and every day of my life.