Margaret (Marge) Atwater passed away on July 27th, 2020 in Raton, New Mexico.
She was born June 4th, 1933 in Trinidad, Colorado, to Thomas Edward and Mildred (Shew) Olive. Marge spent her childhood years in southern Colorado and after graduating from high school, Marge attended college in Trinidad where she received her teaching certificate.
In 1954 Marge married James (Jim) Atwater. After a brief stay in Colorado they moved to Raton where Marge began her teaching career that lasted over 45 years. She was a life-long learner and went on to earn two masters’ degrees and numerous certifications in the field of education. Teaching was her passion and she often commented, that in all her years of teaching, she never had a bad day.
Marge and Jim had two children, Karen (Burl) Brown of Des Moines and Brad (Kim) Atwater of Folsom. With love and compassion they extended their family to include Shane Atwater, Shanna Atwater, Tina (Joseph) Lever, Roxann (Jerry) Feldman, Jackie (Steve) Linderman and numerous foster children.
She is also survived by grandchildren Damon (Jennifer) Brown, Ryan (Pennie) Brown, Amber (Warren) Smith, Brandy (Chris) Schear, Jamie (Chris) Moehring, James (Trem) Atwater(Jess), John Henry, Shawn Henry, David Henry, Joseph Lever, Kayla Lever, Felicia (Cuatro) Cope, Jody Feldman, Preston Linderman, Quinn Linderman, and Dominic Linderman….and 23 great-grandchildren. Marge is survived by her brother-in-law Eddie (Josephine) Atwater, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marge was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim, and her only sibling Pearl Weese.
Marge’s last couple of years were spent surrounded by the caring, loving staff of the BeeHive Home in Raton and the Legacy in Trinidad. Her family will forever be grateful for the care she received. A special thanks to Dr. Christine Lopez and her staff, and hospice team Robin Pilley and Connie Shields, for the exceptional care they provided. She appreciated and loved all of you.
Marge was a generous, compassionate woman who always said, “above all else be kind”. Because of the current pandemic no funeral services will be held but please remember Marge by helping spread her message of kindness. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Raton Humane Society, PO Box 1321, Raton, NM 87740.
Condolences can be sent to 519 Ridge Rd, Des Moines, NM 88418.
Arrangements under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton
Marge was so helpful when my mom Alice Lain faced caring for her mother while trying to work full time. Marge helped mom get placement in the Trinidad nursing home. Marge and Alice taught school in Raton. Marge will be missed.