Obituary of Margaret I. Tower

Margaret I. Tower, age 89, lifelong resident of Ransomville and Youngstown, died Sunday November 18, 2012 at her home after a lengthy illness. Margaret was born December 23 1922 in Niagara Falls, NY, the daughter of the late Elmer D. and Florence I. (Adams) Truesdale. On August 28, 1939 she married Richard P. "Dick" Tower and they enjoyed their life together for over 70 years until his passing on December 24, 2011. Besides helping Dick run the family fruit farm, Margaret was an Administrative Assistant/ Tour Guide, employed by the Old Fort Niagara Association for 26 years, retiring in 1980. One of Margaret's mainstays was her beloved First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown of which she was a member for over 70 years. She was an ordained Elder and Deacon and served many years as Clerk of Session. She was also a member of Presbyterian Women, serving as Treasurer and had an honorary life membership in the Presbyterian Women, USA. Margaret was a member of the Ransomville O.E.S # 374 for over 50 years. She had served as Worthy Matron, and for many years as Marshall, as well as being a member and Treasurer of its' Social Club. In 1991 she was honored for the appointment of Grand Martha for the Grand O.E.S, State of New York. Margaret was a member, past grand president and grand secretary of the Ladies Universal Craftsman Council of Engineers; member, past president and treasurer of Kwahain Council #10. She was active in the Lewiston, Youngstown, and Ransomville Senior Citizens as well as they Town of Porter Historical Society. Margaret was also active with the Lew - Port PTO and Scouting. She had received certificates of appreciation from Mt. St. Mary's Hospital where she had volunteered for over 30 years. Of all Margaret's interests and activities, her family and friends were the most dear to her. She loved to play cards, especially bridge and euchre, and enjoyed entertaining in her beautiful antique home with her husband Dick as her assistant. She always enjoyed her cats. She is survived by her children, Richard (late Helen) Tower of Lewiston, Thomas (Kate Koperski) Tower and Jan (Douglas) Howard both of Youngstown; two sisters, Audrey Zimmerman of Wilson and Donna Lasher of Youngstown; 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a daughter, Joan Gatrost; a sister, Marion Rajac; and two brothers, Marvin and Dennis Paul Truesdale. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Tuesday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. An Eastern Star Service will be held at 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, November 21, at 11:00 AM in the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown,100 Church St., Youngstown, with the Rev. Rex Stewart and the Rev. Charles Lamb officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Rural Cemetery, Youngstown. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, 100 Church St., Youngstown, NY 14174.