Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Age 87, died Thursday, June 24, 2021, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born December 24, 1933, in Mishawaka, Indiana, the daughter of Kenneth and Margaret Elizabeth (Washburn) Connon.
Margie was a stay at home mom, and then started a painting and cleaning company for new homes with several of her girlfriends. After retirement, Margie and her husband, Don, enjoyed time at their trailer on a lake in northern Indiana, fishing. They were always known for their beautiful yard and flower beds. She had a real knack for flower arranging, whether with silk flowers or flowers she would collect and dry. Margie had a true love for animals. Many a stray animal found its way to her door and immediately became part of the family. She had a love for nature and wildlife, feeding her birds and squirrels.
In 2017, they moved to Chelsea, Michigan to be close to family. On September, 6, 1952, Margie married Donald Lee Van Gilder. He preceded her in death on February 3, 2021. She is survived by two sons, Terry (Thresa) Van Gilder of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, Daniel (Brenda) Van Gilder of Leo, Indiana, and a daughter, Lori (Brad) Critchfield of Grass Lake, Michigan. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. In addition, her siblings, Mildred Nicodemus of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Dori Montague of Bremen, Indiana, and Mary Gerard of Elliot Lake, Ontario survive. She was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Connon, Jr.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Michigan. A private burial took place at the Bremen Cemetery in Bremen, Indiana, with arrangements made by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, Michigan.
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