Margaret Evelyn Curless

Margaret Evelyn Curless passed away at her home surrounded by her loving husband and family on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at the age of 82. She was born on November 14, 1938 in Hampstead, England to Cecil and Evelyn Gardner.

Margaret met her husband Jackie L. Curless while he was serving in the Navy and stationed in England. They married on May 24, 1958 and together raised 5 children, four daughters and one son. Denise Mandau of Havana, Dawn France of Havana, Lori (Tom) Andrew of Jacksonville, IL, Sonia (David) Fortney of Petersburg, IL and Jack Curless of Havana, IL.

Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Kristy Carron, Michael France, Nathan Beard, Bret Mandau, Caleb Fortney, Sara Mandau, Katie Worthy, Josh Mandau, Connor Fortney, Morgan Curless, and Eli Andrew; 11 great-grandchildren, Kayla, Savannah, Andrew, Kobe, Michael Jr., Bekah, Tyson, Rhett, Sophia, Charlie, and Bradyn; 1 great great-grandson, Theodore (Theo).

She was preceded in death by her parents (Cecil and Evelyn Gardner), brother (Morris Gardner), and daughter in law, Linda Curless.

Margaret’s early years was spent as a homemaker raising her 5 children. She became pretty good at bike repairs, always fixing the kids bikes switching out tires and chains so they could get to the pool. She learned to cook and bake making some of the family favorites (homemade noodles and lemon meringue pie) and was constantly fixing skinned elbows and knees.

She later embarked on a career in Retail that spanned over 35 years (she worked at Hornsby’s in Havana, served as a Pharmacy Tech for many years, and managed a Hallmark store while living in Houston, TX. She loved being outside working in her flowers, watching the birds in her garden, and had a love for all animals. She also loved to travel, shop, and spend time with her family and friends. Another favorite was keeping up with the Royal family which was a part of her English history.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 4th, 2021 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Pastor Rex Beard will be officiating. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association or the Mason County Humane Society.