Margaret Eleanor Head Schwicardi passed away Saturday, January 13, 2018 in Winfield, IL after a brief illness. She was 94 years old. She is survived by her 3 children: son Kim & daughter in law, Susan, daughter Debra Charles (nee Schwicardi) and daughter Lisa Wick (nee Schwicardi) & son in law Steven Nathanson. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Stacey Gradle (nee Schwicardi) & husband David, Keri Schwicardi, Scott Maughan & wife Crystal, Kylie Maughan, and 2 great-grandchildren, Nicholas Gradle and Kyler Maughan, along with nieces, nephews and other relatives she treasured individually. Margaret is preceded in death by: husband Fred C. Schwicardi, parents Mary Barrett (nee Head) & Ralph Head, Sister Patsy Jean Larsen (nee Head) & husband Lyle, and brother Ralph "Buddy" Head.  She is also preceded in her journey home by her grandchild Darren Maughan in 2016.

Margaret, it seems, was born to be a mother. Her 3 children will attest to the fact that she spent decades upon decades doing just that, having her last child 14 years after the first. This meant not only going through high school 3 separate times, but being a room mother for…18 years. More cupcakes came out of her oven than anyone's in the neighborhood. No wonder we bought only one hot water heater, but replaced that oven 3 times! As all Moms learn, being one means also being a nurse.  Margaret was only the best; from strep throat to broken arms, she could heal it all… with a little help from the doctor, who would have been on speed-dial, if they had it then.  Mom survived on little to no sleep for that same 3 decades, as she was either up all night with a crying baby, had one in her bed afraid of the dark, or one on a date coming in late. Margaret led by example rather than lectures. She was kind and soft spoken, loving and friendly, warm, gentle and happy.  She was proud of our little home in Lake Zurich and she and Fred took care of it by keeping everything mowed, trimmed and painted. If we went out in the evening for ice cream, Margaret would drive an extra 500 feet around our little cul de sac to look back at our sweet house with the lights glowing from inside. Every time, she would say, "Isn't our house just lovely?" And it was. But mostly, she was. Everything she did was right and good and everything about her was humble. Everything she thought, did and lived for those 3 decades were because it was best for her children. She never thought of herself; she always made each of us feel so loved, as if each one was the most important person in the world to her. I can think of no human closer to God's love as Margaret.

Margaret inspired her family and others. She began painting in the 1960's, after watching and admiring her husband, Fred's professional oil painting work for many years. One day, without any formal training, she picked up a paintbrush, chose acrylics as her media, and the landscapes in her mind came to life on canvas. Margaret became a prolific painter, with many hundreds of original works produced throughout her years. She painted every day, into her early 90's. Her barn paintings were her most favorite works, and she said it just felt great when creating these pillars of Americana. She had read everything she could get her hands on to research these barns, their structure and history.

Margaret lived most of her Octogenarian years and beyond in Winfield, IL with her daughter, Debra. Son, Kim and his wife, Sue, and family lived only 5 minutes away. Youngest daughter, Lisa remained in the Northwest Suburban Chicago area near the original family home in Lake Zurich. Margaret felt safe and enjoyed good health after moving in together with Debra. She continued to paint daily and was adored by all who knew her.  As always, even in later years, Margaret found time and energy to take care of everyone with a smile and her loving kindness. Margaret's love for animals had been life-long, and an occasional bird or other wildlife can be found in some of her painting scenes. She adopted many, many pets in her lifetime and was especially fond of cats. Margaret was observed and critiqued by 2 cats, who contentedly spent their mornings watching her paint during the happy years living with daughter, Debra.

Margaret had also lived in Ocala, Florida for many years. It had been their dream for Fred and Margaret to retire to northern Florida. Their long-adored Lake Zurich home was sold, and dream fulfilled in the mid 1980's.  However, Fred passed away suddenly in 1987, changing the dynamic of their Florida dream. After exploring living as a widow in both IL and Florida, Margaret enjoyed some warm, happy years in Ocala near her sister, Patsy Jean, before finally moving back to IL to be closer to the rest of the family. While in Winfield for over a decade, Margaret came to rely on family for medical issues, while they relied on her for life advice. She had a chance to become even closer to Susan, who helped with medical visits, and Debra, with whom she lived. These were happy years, with family able to help their dear Margaret.

As a grown child, during any times of struggle or decision making, I would always ask what Mom would do. I never realized what a psychologist she had become. She knew instinctively when to make strong, optimistic eye contact, but remain silent during a heart to heart talk. This was most of the time, as it made us feel as though someone cared deeply, but forced us to make our own decision. I never wanted her to leave me. I feared I would never in the world be ready; until this week, when it was time.  We all knew God was preparing to call her home. During a time I feared I would always dread, I found myself praying to make the time come soon. It wasn't about us, the kids, anymore. Suddenly, it was only about Mom and suffering, and the fact that it truly was her time. We had been blessed with 94 years of this gracious lady on our earth, and now Heaven would bless her.  It doesn't get much more real than this. Nothing matters in this world; not school or work, what dress to wear, what to buy, what car to drive. None of it matters; except the people you love. We love you, Mom. Godspeed.