Margaret had a passion for music and fine arts. She became a member of Musicians Local 25 in 1934 at the age of 14, and she played professionally for over 80 years. Margaret played at a number of local clubs, at schools of dance, and had an extensive background of entertaining military troops and assisting as a nurse’s aid during World War II. Until recently, Margaret was a member of the RSVP Orchestra at Programs and Services for Older Persons in Belleville, IL, performing weekly at various locations. She gave piano lessons through local music stores as well as from her home for decades. Music truly made her world go around. For 80 plus years she was a member of the American Contract Bridge League, winning various awards and obtaining Life Master status. She was a past member of the St. Teresa First Noel Group, the Young at Heart as well as the Perpetual Help Society at St. Teresa Catholic Church. She was known for her beautiful roses that she tended at her home. Margaret had a passion for the well-being of animals, especially black labs. She will be remembered for her impeccable appearance, her warm smile and giving heart, and her willingness to entertain others through her musical talents whenever called upon, and her love of the St. Louis Cardinals. Margaret would be the first to tell you that “God has taken good care of me.” Her legacy continues in her children and grandchildren.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Eugene E. Pauley, whom she married on June 15, 1946, and who died on December 13, 2004; and her parents, Edwin A. and Maude A., nee Corpstein, Kuehn.
Surviving are her children, James J. (Jane) Pauley of Mascoutah, IL, Mary I. (John) Falcetta of Belleville, IL, Nancy A. (Keith) Reichel of Belleville, IL, and Daniel R. Pauley (Glenda J. Riley) of Belleville, IL;
six grandchildren, Kimberly (A.J.) Briding, Lisa Pauley, Jennifer (Brian) O’Conner, Patty Reichel, Holly (Justin) Closen, and Margaret Mary Pauley;
11 great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Connor, Garret, Tessa, Jackson, Hailey, Hannah, Lacey, Aydan, Adilynn and Audrey;
and her aunt, Delores Corpstein Hammel of Lebanon, IL.
Special thanks to the entire staff at Morning Side of Shiloh and special friend Howard King, recently deceased. The family wishes to acknowledge and express their appreciation to Chris Jones, Patrick Prindable, and especially Mildred Loehr, for her many years of dedicated service to the family.
Memorials may be made to St. Teresa Grade School for their music program, or to the Belleville Area Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, January 11, 2018, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 11, 2018, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Donald Blaes officiating.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.