Margaret Anne DeKold, 73, a lifetime resident of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014, after a year of illness and declining health.
Margaret was born on Thursday, May 15, 1941, in Washington, D.C., to Pauline and William Wilkins. After spending some of her childhood in Charlottesville, Va., Margaret and her family moved down to Florida in her early teens where she was a member of Vero Beach High School’s graduating Class of 1959.
While attending Vero Beach High School, Margaret was a Varsity cheerleader and actively engaged in all sports. It was there Margaret met her future husband, Richard Sebastian DeKold.
Margaret was a resident of Vero Beach for almost 60 years.
Survivors include Richard S. DeKold, husband of 55 years; children: Sherry Fergus (Phil), Kevin DeKold (Kim), Shawn DeKold (Julia) and Paige Caperton (James); 11 grandchildren: Leslie and Daniel Fergus of Greensboro, N. Ca.; Ruth, Joe, Nick, Tim and Anna DeKold of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Patrick and Chad DeKold of Johns Creek, Ga.; Olivia and James B. Caperton of Orlando; her sister Laura Crosby, and dear friend Jean Hall, both of Vero Beach; aunts, cousins, and several extended family members.
Margaret was first a wife, mother, and homemaker. Margaret worked as an accountant for the family business, DeKold Real Estate and Insurance and later for Peat Marwick Financial and for Dr. Charles Celano, cardiologist for 19 years from where she later retired.
Margaret’s hobbies included baking, reading, attracting hummingbirds, sewing, and needlework. She enjoyed her family by always preparing home-cooked meals. Margaret was an enthusiastic gardener and obtained her Master Gardener’s Certificate in 1990.
During the past eight years, Margaret and her husband Richard were able to spend a lot of time at a summer home in northeast Georgia where she enjoyed her hobbies and visits from family and friends.
“Margaret, Mom, Mama, and Granmama, you blessed countless lives by the impact you made. Your family and friends will forever be thankful for the gift of your life. May your goodness, kindness, and love live on through your legacy. We miss you and cannot wait until we meet again. With love…..”
Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, from 4-7 p.m. at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with a reception following. A graveside burial for family and friends will take place thereafter at the family’s plot in Crestlawn Cemetery.
Memorial donations suggested to Alliance Stamp Ministry, 15000 Shell Point Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL, 33908. An online guestbook is also available at www.strunkfuneralhome.
