Margaret M. Gunn

GUNN, MRS. MARGARET M. Muskegon Mrs. Margaret M. Gunn, age 73, went to be with her Lord on Friday, November 29, 2002, following a short illness. She was born June 11, 1929 to David and Bessie Herbert, and lived her entire life in the West Michigan area. Margaret came from humble beginnings. Her family was broken up by unfortunate circumstances when she was very young, and she spent most of her youth in a series of foster homes, sometimes doing odd jobs in exchange for room and board. But instead of allowing the experience to make her bitter, she learned to understand other people and the difficulties and handicaps they faced. She took those wonderful qualities into her marriage to Gordon Gunn in 1950. She blessed her husband and six children with patience and unconditional love for the rest of her life. Margaret was a giver who was always more concerned about her family and friends than she was about herself. She displayed that caring on Dec. 23, 1996, when she went from her husband's funeral in the afternoon, to a department store at night, so she could finish her Christmas shopping and make sure everyone had a gift under the tree from Mom. Margaret also shared her kindness with animals, particularly her cats. She treated her four-legged friends with the same respect she showed people. Besides her two beloved house cats, she provided a home in her garage to strays who found their way to her doorstep. They started out wild, but by the time they got a dose of Margaret's tender care, they were tame, fat and lovable. A kitten that was born to one of her ''garage cats'' became terribly ill one day, and Margaret sat up overnight nursing the tiny creature back to health, before giving it to one of her sons as a special gift. All creatures seemed to respond to her gentle touch, instinctively knowing they were dealing with a tender soul who only wanted to help. Margaret's caring was not reserved for people she knew. Even as she struggled with her own health in her later years, she volunteered to visit other seniors who were confined to their homes by physical problems. Margaret also had a spirited side to her personality. To the end of her life, she attended Reeths-Puffer High School football games, cheering on her beloved Rockets in all kinds of weather. She also rooted passionately for the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers and Republican Party. Even as she lay in pain during her final days in the hospital, she talked enthusiastically about Red Wings games that were coming up on television. Margaret was also blessed with a green thumb. Many of the huge trees that shade her yard today began as tiny twigs in the back field that she transplanted and nurtured to maturity. While her body was weathered and beaten by years of bad health, her spirit remained young and untamed. She faced difficulty and disease with courage and determination, much to the amazement of everyone. She did not go quietly into that dark night. She truly raged against the dying of the light, grasping for every last minute of enjoyment she could possibly get from life. Margaret's death leaves a huge hole in the lives of those who loved her. But those who loved her are better people because of the caring she invested in them. She wouldn't want us to be sad about her death. She would want us to be happy, because our happiness was always the key to her happiness. Margaret was a member of Unity United Methodist Church. SURVIVORS She is survived by her brothers Clarence and Robert Herbert; sons Danny Gunn, Donald Gunn, Gregory Sandra Gunn and Steven Gunn; daughters Diane Klug and Kathy Kroll, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and special daughter Cyndi Shultz. She was preceded in death by her husband Gordon, sister Lillian and grandson Christopher. SERVICE Tuesday, December 3, 2002, 1:00 PM at Unity United Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Meines officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. VISITATION Monday, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Clock Funeral Home. MEMORIALS: Unity United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Clock - Muskegon www.clockfuneralhome.com