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Margaret Emma Mahaley Stoessel, 89, a resident of Genesis Salisbury Center, bid farewell to family, friends, and center staff before departing this world on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 for reunion with her late loved ones of whom she so frequently spoke.
Margaret was born in Salisbury on August 15, 1925 to the late Lonnie Alexander Mahaley and Madge Hanna Mahaley. She grew up with a younger sister Jean who preceded her in death in October 2003. Margaret graduated from Boyden High School as Valedictorian, and was able to attend Queens College for one year thanks to her late Uncle Everett Moser. In 1943, Margaret married William M. Stoessel Jr. She followed him to naval assignments in Norfolk, Virginia, then to the Canal Zone in Panama, and later back to the Naval Recruiting Office in Salisbury. After her family was established, she returned to school and graduated from Catawba College in 1965. So began a career teaching English and French which spanned 25 years at West Rowan High School.
Margaret arrived at Genesis Salisbury Center in December 2011 after discovery of an inoperable abdominal sarcoma which would later spread to the liver and lungs. She was transferred from nursing to assisted living in early January 2012. Her new friends there dubbed her Little Bit as two Margarets were already among the eighteen or so residents on the assisted living hall. On December 29, 2014, she moved back to the skilled nursing side due to the rapid progression of the liver tumors, and departed more than three years after the initial discovery of the cancer. This was a struggle that was first forecast to last only six months.
In her leisure time, Margaret enjoyed traveling, her many dogs and cats, grandchildren, and reading. She is survived by three sons, Frederick, William, and David, as well as a daughter Jane, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. In addition, one of her aunts, Katherine Mahaley survives.
We must thank Dr. Brinkley and Dr. Mitro along with their respective staffs as well as the caregivers at Genesis for their involvement and concern that made it possible to not only beat, but far surpass all expectations.
Service: Funeral services will be at the Powles Funeral Home Chapel in Rockwell, NC on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 2:30 PM with the Rev. David Nelson officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 2:30 prior to the service.
At a later date, family will assemble to inter Margaret’s ashes in the Columbarium with those of her late husband at the National Cemetery Annex behind the Veterans Administration Hospital.
Carolina Cremation of Salisbury is assisting the Stoessel family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Brenda Burns Morris says
Dear Frederick and family,
I remember your mother well. She taught some of my children at WRHS. (I also rode the school bus with you in high school.) Your mother was a wonderful lady and a great teacher. Please accept my sincere sympathy for you in your sorrow. I know she will be missed.
Renae Brown says
My condolences to the family. Mrs. Stoessel was my 9th grade teacher at WR. As a teacher she set very high standards in her classroom. I respected her greatly and I am grateful for her instruction. Over 35 years have passed since I was in her class but she remains one of the best and favorite teachers of my school years.
Sandra Grant Beattie says
Dear Family, I had your mom for my 9th grade English teacher her very last year of teaching. I remember that last day of school that year she gave me and another classmate a ride home as we had stayed to help her with something in her classroom. She was a wonderful teacher, and one of my favorites. I am sorry for your loss. I know you will all miss her.
jerome williams says
She was my Cousin. I did not know her. Her Father was my great Uncle, Lonnie Mahaley-beloved Brother of my Grandmother, Mary Addie Cletus Mahaley. I knew her parents. They were fine people. I’ve never known a bad Mahaley. May she rest in peace.
Shari Loy Keller says
I first came to know Mrs. Stoessel as my French teacher for 2 years (1966 and 1967) at West Rowan. She quickly became one of my favorites with a quick smile, a word of encouragement and a good sense of humor. I had the pleasure of becoming reacquainted with her in the spring of 2012 at Genesis and enjoyed exchanges with her. She was a very special lady, loved by so many and will be remembered always. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time of loss.
Brenda Mahaley says
I sure am sorry about Margaret Stossel. She was my father’s niece and his love of family has rubbed off on his daughter Brenda Mahaley. We visited Uncle Lon and Aunt Madge often and sometimes Margaret was there. She was a very nice lady and will be missed by all. God Bless All of the family.