On Thursday, April 22, 2021, Margaret Symmonds, loving wife to Joseph, mom to Nina, and beloved Nana to Ryan, Dylan and Erynn passed away at the age of 92.

Margaret was born March 21, 1929 in Gloversville, NY to Harvey and Dorothy Gisondi. She received her Higer Education from Columbia University in New York City, after which she taught History in Harlem, NY. Margaret loved to work with children and families in need.

After moving to Macomb, Illinois in 1968 Margaret was a loving stay at home mom. In the mid 1970s she moved to Springfield, Illinois and became a committed feminist who worked for issues that affected women in all walks of life. As Director of the Illinois Commission on the Status of Women she affected many aspects of women’s and girl’s lives, including education, equal pay, health care, access to credit, child care, and a myriad of anti-discrimination measures. During her time in that position, and all through her leadership, statewide organizations were created to deal with domestic violence and rape crises. Margaret later worked for Illinois DCFS continuing to advocate for women and children.

In 1981 Margaret married Joseph Lee Symmonds and moved back to Macomb, Illinois where she worked for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs as well as being a Real Estate Agent.

In 1999, Margaret and Joseph retired and moved to St. Peters, MO to be with family and to help raise their grandchildren. Margaret was a devoted grandmother, adored by her grandchildren.

Margaret is survived by her husband Joseph, daughter Nina(Jim) and her three grandchildren, Ryan, Dylan and Erynn.

There will be a small celebration of life for immediate family members only. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association.