Margaret Louise Happel

The family of Margaret Louise Bolenbaugh Happel of Jackson is saddened to announce her passing on January 18, 2023 at the age of 93 years.  January 18 is also the day of her mother’s birthday. 

Margaret is survived by her 3 children, Brian and Debbie Happel, Sandra Happel and Linda Baxter.  Our mother was blessed with 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.  Also surviving are brother and sister-in-law Don and Helen Wells and many nieces & nephews.  Our loved one was predeceased by her husband of 73 years, Karl Happel.  Also her parents Ray and Alvretta Bolenbaugh; siblings Hubert, Kenneth, Betty and niece Lori Wells Macko.  Margaret was the youngest of the children 

Margaret dedicated her life to being a fantastic mother and wife. She was passionate about her cooking and baking filling our home with warmth, and wonderful smells.  Mom was an amazing seamstress; creating beautiful quilts and making sure the buttons were sewed on and rips and tears repaired.  By our family and many of those close to her she was renowned for her cooking and housekeeping skills.  

Margaret had a strong faith and loved the Lord.  She was dedicated to her church and her biblical studies were daily.  Our mother loved being around her friends and family.  For many years she was a member of the Jackson Child Study Club, the Ladies Aid and Altar Guild at her church Trinity Lutheran, and volunteering many of her hours at Trinity Lutheran School where her children attended.     

Margaret struggled with severe dementia the last few years of her life but still showed her love, affection and smiles.  Up to the very end of her life she still wanted to give and get kisses. The family of Margaret would like to extend their appreciation to so many people but especially to Arbor North which was her home for the last 3+ years of her life.  Words cannot express the wonderful care they gave her.  Most of all her aide, Jen, that loved her and cared for her as if she were her own mother.  From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all.

This was an easy task to write this obituary because our mother was so many things. Thank you, mom for loving us. 

There will be a Celebration of Life on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 122 W. Wesley St, Jackson, MI with Pastor Galen Grulke officiating.  Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park following the service.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Cascade Humane Society, 1515 Carmen Drive, Jackson MI 49202.

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