Obituary of Margaret Ann Sticklen
Margaret Ann Sticklen (nee Lennon), passed away peacefully at Lightways Hospice in Joliet with her family by her side on Monday, September 4, 2023.
Margaret was born in Joliet on October 17, 1925, the only child of Gertrude (Sehring) and Joseph Lennon. She attended Saint Francis Academy and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a degree in Physical Education, and always remained a loyal Badgers fan. She married William “Bill” Sticklen in 1948 and they enjoyed a long and loving marriage.
In the 1970’s, Margaret and Bill vacationed in Rancho Mirage, CA and found it to be an ideal place to take up residence for the next 35 years. Margaret volunteered at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage and soon realized it needed a gift shop. In her quiet and determined way she started a gift shop with an unused closet space in the lobby of the Eisenhower and transformed it into a flourishing shop. The shop soon outgrew itself and through renovations transformed into a thriving enterprise. Eisenhower Medical Center was the recipient of substantial donated proceeds generated from the gift shop sales. Margaret was always the quiet force behind the success of the gift shop.
Christmas was dear to Margaret’s heart. She loved Christmas time, with her family being the most joyous part. Her love of traditions, baking and decorating made you feel as if you were walking into a miniature Marshall Fields.
Margaret loved dogs and was never without a collie or two. She had a flair for clothes and a natural talent for shopping. She disciplined herself to having chocolate on only Sundays and was devout in her prayers. She cultivated a beautiful rose garden, enjoyed a game of golf, and was gracious, genteel and ladylike.
She was a long time member of Lightways Hospice Guild, the Visitation and Aid Society and Saint Mary Nativity Church.
Margaret is preceded in death by her husband Bill and her parents.
She is survived by her children, Linda (Dave Kirchner) Sticklen and Peter (Anne) Sticklen; her grandchildren, Adrienne Hutchings and Blake (Sally) Hand; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Margaret is also survived by her dear friends, Paul Gantzert, Sister Alexine Knotek, Tom Kane and his wonderful family, who always made sure Margaret had her favorite treats.
The family is forever grateful for the exceptional and loving care Margaret received from Joni, her longtime family friend and caregiver, and to her hospice nurse, Cecelia, along with the entire Lightways Hospice Team, who always was there for the family.
Margaret made many friends at Story Point, where she lived, including caregivers and nurses. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at St. Mary Nativity Church, 706 N. Broadway St., Joliet.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
