Margaret Bernadine Halsey, 91, died January 5, 2013 at Mercy Skilled Nursing in St. Louis, MO. A resident at the nursing home for the past 2 years, and of Florida for the 20 years previous, Margaret, accompanied by her husband Dick, chose to come to St. Louis to be closer to family.

She was born May 8,1921 in Normal, IL to the late August and Lurene Schaefer. She grew up on family farms near Towanda and Saybrook, IL. Margaret was the oldest of 5 children, having 2 brothers and 2 sisters. She always remembered the “tough times” growing up during the Depression. The family was able to raise most of their food, with the children working hard to help. She graduated from nearby Saybrook H.S. in 1940.

Margaret was working in Chicago, IL when she met her husband, Richard Halsey. They were married in 1947. In 1955, they moved to Huntington, IN where they raised their family. Margaret was a loving wife, homemaker, and mother of a son and daughter that kept her busy with many school activities. When the children were older, she worked as an inspector for Memcor/E-Systems who built radios for the military. They retired in 1984, and after a few years, Dick and Margaret moved to Florida. They continued to enjoy life together – traveling, fishing and playing golf.

Margaret is survived by her sister Rose (Norvin) Martin of Gibson City, IL; her children Richard (Mary Wochner) Halsey of St. Louis and Katherine Vrazalich of Richmond, IN; grandchildren Erin (Brian) Christopher and Matthew (Meghan) Halsey of St. Louis, and Michael and Sarah Vrazalich of Richmond, IN; and great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Allyson, and Carson Christopher, and Mya Halsey. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard, brothers Merle and Philip Schaefer, sister Bertha Johnson, son-in-law Steve Vrazalich and granddaughter Megan Halsey.

Services: Arrangements are by St. Louis Cremation, with service and interment private. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.