Margaret Jefferies

NAME MARGARET JEFFERIES, age 90, of St. Charles, formerly of Naperville, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at Provena Geneva Care Center in Geneva, IL, where she had recently made her home. BORN: She was born February 17, 1920 in Daisy Green, United Kingdom, the daughter of Sidney and Nelle Manning.EARLY YEARS:Margaret grew up in Daisy Green and attended local schools. Following graduation, Margaret served her country in the Women’s Royal Air Force during WWII. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:After the war, Margaret immigrated to the United States in 1948. She settled in Elgin where she worked for the iconic Elgin Watch Factory until it closed in 1964. Later she worked as a "receptionist" at Howard Johnson Hotels where in addition to minding the counter, Margaret was one of those who came up with their sign slogans. MARRIAGE: Margaret was united in marriage John Jefferies in October of 1970. LIFE NOTES: Following John’s passing, Margaret continued to work for Howard Johnson for a time before retiring in the early 1980’s. Later, Margaret found a special friend in Bernard Mueller and together they travelled across the United States making memories with every mile. For all of her life’s work, Margaret considered her job as "Nana" to both of her grandsons as paramount. The legacy that she wished to leave was one of a doting and loving grandmother who played games, cooked special meals and in general "spoiled them rotten" giving Santa a run for his money not only every Christmas but every day of the year. SURVIVORS: She is survived by her daughter, Cherie Wahl Filipos, and her children Andrew and Alexander, of St. Charles, IL;Many nieces, nephews, both here and abroad, and a family of friends. PRECEDED:She is preceded in death by her husband John Jefferies, Her parents, Sidney and Nelle Manning, Her brother Sidney Manning Jr., One sister Violet Baker, Her special friend Bernard Mueller and a former husband Edward Wahl. VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 a.m., Monday, January 24, 2011, with a memorial service to follow visitation at 11:30 a.m. at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 36W925 Red Gate Rd., St. Charles, IL. Rev. John Nelson, pastor of the church, will officiate with private family interment to follow at a later date. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name to benefit her favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Margaret Jefferies Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com

Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 a.m., Monday, January 24, 2011, with a memorial service to follow visitation at 11:30 a.m. at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 36W925 Red Gate Rd., St. Charles, IL. Rev. John Nelson, pastor of the church, will officiate.

Private family interment to follow at a later date.