Santa Cruz

Margaret was born in Hayward, CA and died in Santa Cruz at the age of 97-1/2. She grew up in Soquel and attended Soquel Elementary School. After graduating from Holy Cross High School, she began working for the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce. She was married to George Waller for 41 years until his death in 1988. She was a long-time employee of the Santa Cruz Public Library System. Later she married Joseph Benedict and they were married for 15 years until his death in 2013. Margaret was a member of the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Library, Pajaro Valley Quilt Association, and volunteered at the County Animal Shelter. Margaret loved walking, jazz concerts, gardening, playing the piano, sewing, knitting, traveling, family gatherings, the color purple, and she always had a cat to spoil. Her later years were spent at Sunshine Villa where she participated in activities and excursions. Margaret is survived by her sons, Michael (Helen), Kirk (Caren), and Dan, her grandsons Jeff, Greyson, Grant (Catherine), Griffin (Karla), her step-grandchildren Kent (Paula), Carolyn Baird(Charlie), Barbara Kimball (Spencer), Michelle Benedict, and her step-grandchildren Jill Kimball (Ian), Sarah Benedict, and Todd Benedict.

No public services are planned.