Margery H. Meller (1927 - 2021)

MELLER, MCLAUGHLIN, SKEVA, SCHUPICK

Posted By: Pamela Wagler
Date: 8/9/2021 at 10:24:00

The Hawkeye
Burlington, Iowa
8 August 2021

Margery H. Meller

Burlington - (1927-2021)

Margery Helen (McLaughlin) Meller, age 94, died on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at OakView Nursing and Rehabilitation in Burlington. She was born on June 8, 1927, the oldest child of Helen J. (Skeva) and James M. McLaughlin. Margery grew up with many lasting memories of her family, which included a younger sister Mary Frances and a younger brother Robert, and life on the farm in the Sperry area during the Great Depression and World War II eras. At the age of 16 she graduated with the Sperry High School Class of 1944. Following high school, she attended Marycrest College in Davenport for one year and then worked at various clerical and secretarial jobs in Burlington. She lived to be the last surviving member of the James M. McLaughlin family.

Margery McLaughlin married Henry F. Meller on October 8, 1949 at St. Mary's Church in Dodgeville. She often told the story of how their grocery budget when they married was $5 a week. The young couple moved into a new home built on land that was a wedding gift from his parents. Henry and his father, George, planned and constructed the home. Margery used her $1400 savings to furnish their new home. They even had a new home invention – a black and white television set. Henry died after a week-long illness on April 3, 1960. Margery became a young widow with two small daughters to raise. Her first new challenge was to learn how to drive a car.

Margery's life was devoted to her family and taking pride in her home. She was always proud of having put two daughters through college who each had longtime careers in education. In time Margery went to work for the Burlington Community School District where she served as a secretary to five school administrators at Corse Elementary School. She retired after an enjoyable 28-year career in the Corse School Office. Over the years many students would remember "Mrs. Meller" when they would see her out in public. She was always very organized and professional in her work for staff and students.

"Marge" was a member of Divine Mercy Parish. She enjoyed playing cards with friends – one group of ladies were together for over 50 years. A childhood friend, Maxine (Frank) Pratt, remained a close lifelong friend until her death.

Margery Meller is survived by two daughters: Marcia Meller of Burlington and Denise Schupick (Tim) of Mason City, Iowa. She has two grandsons – Ryan Schupick of Mason City and David Schupick of Salt Lake City, UT. She is also survived by several remaining McLaughlin family cousins and surviving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry Meller, in-laws, her parents James and Helen McLaughlin, her sister Mary Frances Murray, her brother Robert J. McLaughlin and several nieces.

Lunning Funeral Chapel is in charge of the services for Margery H. Meller. The family will receive friends and relatives at Lunning Funeral Chapel on Thursday, August 5th from 5 to 7 P.M. The Mass of Christian Burial for Margery H. Meller will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, August 6th at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dodgeville. The Rev. James Flattery will be the Celebrant. Family will receive friends and relatives thirty minutes prior to the start of the service at the church. Interment will follow the completion of the service at St. Mary's Cemetery. St. Mary's Catholic Church was the church Margery attended while growing up, she was married there and now will be sent to her eternal rest from this church.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the care givers at OakView Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Memorials have been established to Burlington Notre Dame Schools and St. Mary's Church Cemetery Fund.