Margaret Helen Nienhuis died Feb. 23, 2004, at Whidbey General Hospital. She was born Nov. 1, 1918, in Oak Harbor to Eric and Mildred (White) Tesch. She was raised in Beach View Farm area of Swantown and attended school in Oak Harbor, graduating with the Class of 1936.

Margaret was married to Howard Nienhuis Feb. 14, 1940. Margaret and Howard had four children, Eldred, Elaine, Jean and Linda. Howard died in 1966 and Margaret began work for the Oak Harbor School District in the hot lunch program. Later, she began work for the Greenhouse Florist and Nursery and remained with them from full time to part time status for about 35 years.

Margaret was an active member of First Reformed Church of Oak Harbor. Her focus was on her faith and her family. She enjoyed gardening and needlework. She was and will remain an ongoing source of wisdom and strength for her children, her extended family and her friends.

Margaret’s husband Howard, one daughter Elaine Nienhuis and her sister Gladys Abrahamse preceded her in death. She is survived by her children, Eldred H. “Eldy” and Kathy Nienhuis and Jean M. Nienhuis, all of Oak Harbor and Linda L. Nienhuis of Coupeville.

Graveside funeral services for Margaret Nienhuis will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Memorial services will follow at 11 a.m. at First Reformed Church with Pastor Jon Brown and Pastor Tad Southard officiating. A reception will follow for family and friends. Memorials may be made to the Gideons or a favorite charity. Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel.