Sam's Teacher

Margaret Lane

A Great Teacher My wife Margaret passed away Thursday, February 12, 2009 as a result of complications from ovarian cancer. Margaret was born May 1, 1946 in Flint, Michigan and was one of Charles and Gladys Russell's four children including John, Joan, and Mary Alice, all of whom have survived Margaret, along with beloved nieces and nephews in the Flint area. Margaret earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. Perhaps best known as a dedicated educator, Margaret was also an ardent sports fan. Golf was her latest passion. Margaret and I were married in June 1970. She was my rock and would steer me back onto the rail of reality when I lost focus. She had a great sense of direction, spiritually speaking, and was virtually psychic about the right thing to do. We left Michigan in the mid-80's, having become disenchanted with Detroit's congestion and loss of civility. We chose Salt Lake City because we were avid skiers and loved the area. Margaret signed on at Wasatch Elementary School, in the Salt Lake School District, in 1986. She started out in front of a sixth-grade class, shifted to fifth grade and eventually settled in fourth. She was at home in the classroom. The most important thing for Margaret was the children. Margaret's memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 21 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 261 South 900 East in Salt Lake City. Immediately following the service, friends, colleagues and past and present students may gather for a celebration of Margaret's life at Wasatch Elementary School, 30 R Street. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Huntsman Cancer Center or the Utah Food Bank. I took it for granted that she would live forever and I miss her terribly. - Bob Lane