Margaret A. Beckwith

Margaret A. Beckwith, 93, of Venice, Florida died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at Pinebrook Rehabilitation Center in Venice. She had resided at the Inn at Aston Gardens on Pinebrook Road in Venice for nearly three years. Margaret was born and raised in Jackson, Michigan, with her nine siblings, and later spent twelve happy years in the Boston area with her husband, Richard W. Beckwith, an engineer with the Dow Chemical Company, also from Jackson, Michigan. She then moved to the Washington, DC environs in 1960. She thoroughly enjoyed the Kennedy years, and helped at Robert Kennedys residence, Hickory Hill, in McLean, Virginia for a few memorable years. After being widowed in 1991 following 51 years of marriage, she moved to Venice four years ago to join her daughter, Peg, and son-in-law, Rick. Margaret enjoyed reading, music, travel, good conversation, and football. She loved her extended family, made many new friends at her residence, and had many lifelong friends. She was a champion of respect and fair wages for women, and throughout her lifetime, encouraged many women, young and old alike, to better themselves. Margaret leaves behind her daughter, Peg Magee and son-in-law, Rick Magee; grandchildren, Marnie Esparza and Daniel Magee, whom she adored. She was also thrilled to have two great-grandchildren, Dorian and Kiana Esparza. A prayer service in her memory will be held at 10 am on Friday, January 18 at the Inn at Aston Gardens, 9000 Ibis Way, Venice. In Margarets memory, and in appreciation of the wonderful services she received from her nurses and caregivers, contributions may be made to the National Nurses Organizing Committee, 2000 Franklin St., Oakland, CA 94612. To express condolences to the family, please sign the online guest book. Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Center, Venice.