Margaret Dempsey, age 84, beloved wife, precious mother, treasured grandma, and dear friend passed into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on July 6 ^th , 2022. Alzheimer's, strokes, and diabetes chipped away at her body and mind; however, her gentle ways, gracious compassion, and trust in her Almighty Lord remained steadfast and true.

Margaret was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Albert Krampitz and Mary Johnson. She adored and admired her older sister, Beverly Allen. When Margaret was 7 her family moved to Burlington, Washington.

Margaret was confirmed in her Christian faith at Burlington Lutheran Church.  She graduated from Burlington- Edison H. S. in 1956 and from the former Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle in 1958. During the summer of 1957, she was a singing waitress at LBI's Mount Carmel Camp in Minnesota.   She was extremely talented at singing hymns and balancing two trays stacked high with food.

Margaret's love for God and her desire to scatter that "love in action," lead her to become a parish worker and to help form and foster new Lutheran Churches, including:  Phinney Ridge Lutheran, Renton Lutheran, and Northlake Lutheran Church.

In 1958, while home for the summer, Margaret waitressed at Hal's Drive-In in Sedro-Woolley. One specific customer, a handsome man with Elvis type hair, who had just returned home from his station in Germany, had his eye on her!  Leroy Dempsey, finally got the courage to ask her out; however, Margaret would not agree unless he fixed-up and painted his car. Days later, Leroy drove through Hal's with a new coat of paint on his vehicle. Margaret's eyes twinkled with excitement; she smiled, and agreed to go out with him. They were married in 1962 at Burlington Lutheran, where Margaret taught Sunday School and lead the youth group.

As newlyweds, they both worked at Skagit Corporation in Sedro Woolley. Margaret was a secretary until their daughter, Lisa, was born.  Later on, she worked for over 20 years at Burlington-Edison School District. First, as a volunteer, then as an assistant cook, and finally, as head cook at West View Elementary.  "Her" kitchen was always open, and somehow, she magically knew every student by name.  Students and staff alike were drawn to her goodness and warm, welcoming personality- so much, that they lovingly nicknamed her, "Cookie" and "Mom." Of course, no one could resist her hand-made cinnamon rolls and chili. She retired from West View due to breast cancer and complications.

Margaret was a devoted wife, and an exceptionally nurturing mother.  She adored her three grandchildren. Holidays and family gatherings brought her genuine joy. Taking road trips with Leroy was a highlight, and camping, fishing, and hiking with the family was always a priceless adventure.

Sacred hymns and favorite Bible verses were Margaret's refuge and strength, and now, as we have ushered and released her to her Savior, they are comforting to us as well…such Blessed Assurance and Amazing Grace to see Him face to face! Our prayers have been answered as she no longer feels pain, only the soothing and healing glory of her Redeemer.

Margaret is so loved, missed, honored, tucked in our hearts, and her memory will echo forever!

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, her son-in-law, David Bargewell, and 3 almost full-term miscarriages. She is survived by her husband, the love of her life for almost 60 years, Edwin Leroy Dempsey; her daughter, Lisa Dempsey Bargewell (fiancée Dave Bennink); son, David Dempsey (Holly); grandchildren, Ariel Valley (Andrew), Allyann Bargewell, and Kayser Dempsey;  brother in-law, Dr. Ronald Allen; along with honoree family- Lionel and Barbara Gishlandi, and countless, valued relatives and cherished friends, including: Lee Colyn, Averil Gummere, Mary Hendren,  Carol Henn,  Lois Huseby, Marsha Knutzen, Joyce Lagerlund, and Dorothy Palmer.

There will be a graveside memorial service and reception on Saturday, July 16 at 2:00pm. If you would like to attend, please contact Lisa at: BargewellLisa@gmail.com