Margaret A. Goldenstein

Margaret Anna Goldenstein,age 66, of St. Charles, died tragically on Monday, September 14, 2009 at Provena St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin.BORN: She was born November 25, 1942, the daughter of Herman and Emma (Hoffmann) Goldenstein in Elgin, IL. EARLY YEARS:Margaret grew up on the family farm in St. Charles, IL, that changed over the years from a dairy to a grain farm. She attended local schools and graduated St. Charles High School with the class of 1960. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Margaret then began working at Delnor Hospital as an aid in Physical Therapy and was known in certain hospital circles as "Hubbard Tank Annie". Later, she changed from full time to part time after her father had a stroke and eventually retired shortly after her mother’s death to care for her father. Following his passing in 1993, Margaret continued to live on the family farm and although she was technically "retired" she never slowed down. Up every morning to do chores, Margaret delighted in all of God’s creatures whether great or small, caring for them as if they were her very own children. During this time Margaret had a chance to help raise and care for Shannon Jungels, the infant daughter of her cousin Carol, on January 30, 1981. Shannon very quickly became the daughter Margaret never had. They became inseparable and a very special bond formed between the two. Margaret became a second mother and confidant to Shannon, walking side by side with her as Shannon grew into a young woman. Later at a family wedding, Margaret would meet Bruce Conley who once worked at Delnor for the now infamous "Hubbard Tank Annie". Now a funeral director, the friendship between the two that began those many years ago blossomed again and before long Margaret began working at Conley Funeral Home in Elburn. There, Margaret continued her ministry of care by helping grieving families in any way she could, including helping them to release a dove in their loved ones memory. Her gentle hands would hold the dove and place it in outstretched hands which were already full of grief. In that very simple act, Margaret helped hundreds of people not only release the dove, but a portion of their grief as well. MEMBERSHIPS: Margaret was a member of the Kane County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and participated in Agriculture Days at Mooseheart in Batavia, teaching fourth graders about agriculture. She also attended Grace Evangelical Church in Elgin. LIFE NOTES: She and her sister Kay were known for their avid love of garage sales and were proud to proclaim it to all who would listen. They would often spend whole days visiting garage sales across the countryside. Margaret’s home was always open to any member of her large extended family or friends that would happen to come into town. Her yearly family reunion brought many together to celebrate their heritage and catch up all that had happened since the last time they met. Unbeknownst to us, Margaret had to leave without saying goodbye. Margaret’s warmth of spirit still envelopes the hearts of all her family and friends and the empty spaces that are left behind will be filled with her memory.SURVIVORS: She now leaves her sister, "roommate" and constant companion, Katherine "Kay" Goldenstein of St. Charles, IL, Her "daughter" Shannon Jungels of St. Charles, IL;A great many cousins and relatives from the Doldenstein and Hoffmann families who are scattered across the globe and a family of friends that stretch across the years. PRECEDED:She now joins her parents who preceded her in death. VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held Thursday, September 24th, at Grace Evangelical Church, 1800 Bowes Rd., Elgin, 60123, at 11 a.m. Rev. Reuben Parlier, former pastor of the church, will officiate and interment will follow at Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin. For those unable to attend the service, a live web-cast will be begin five minutes prior to the service by clicking a link at www.conleycare.com. The service will also be available on the website the following day in an on-demand format so anyone can watch at anytime. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in her name to benefit her favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Margaret Goldenstein Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held Thursday, September 24th, at Grace Evangelical Church, 1800 Bowes Rd., Elgin, 60123, at 11 a.m. Rev. Reuben Parlier, former pastor of the church, will officiate.

Interment will follow at Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin.