I met Margaret in Arlington Virginia in the late seventies, through my former wife when she and Margaret were both in the same local play group, with our kids - that would be our David and her Sophia - and almost simultaneously and independently I met Mark through a Zen sitting group at their home, often drinking tea with them or having brunch socially.
What a wonderful, kind, non-judging, creative, and nurturing person to be around. Her family knows this better than anyone, I am sure. But it extended outward to many others.
Margaret reached out to help people in a relaxed way, when asked, or when she thought it clearly made sense, without posing as Lady Bountiful or setting herself up as special - although she *was* special. She helped people kindly, because that was her nature, one which was simply evident, in a very charming and non-intimidating way, to those who looked.
When my second wife Susan was dying of cancer four years ago Margaret made a special trip with Mark and Zachary to visit us, and she brought all kinds of documentation on anti-cancer diets and the like, and talked with her. But what was most truly effective and helpful to Susan was just that Margaret came and spent time with her - Margaret brought her some calmness, peace, and friendship at an important time. I don't know if I ever expressed adequately how much this helped - but it really did.
No special decoration was needed to highlight her character, which shone through. The positive energy she created has been passed on through many people.
Goodbye Margaret, I am very grateful to have known you. Deep condolences to all the Esterman family!
