Margo Ann Hudkins was born in Portland OR in 1939 but grew up in Salem OR where she graduated from South Salem High School. Margo attended Oregon State College where she met Larry Rea. They were married in 1960 at the First United Methodist Church in Salem. Sadly, Margo passed away November 2006 after an 18 month battle with cancer.
How she lived is far more important than how she died.Her family was the most important element in her life. Holiday gatherings were essential and memorable events.
Margo enjoyed her days at Camp Silvercreek, both as a camper and a counselor. In the days before children (BC) we would backpack into the wilderness areas of Oregon, spending a week or so on the trail.
When I first met her she worked as a secretary at the YMCA in Salem. Margo had superb secretarial skills and her typing speed was incredible. After we married she worked in the Trust Department for the Bank of California in Portland. Her longest stint working outside the home was at Sam Barlow high school where she was an executive secretary for fifteen years.
She was a voracious reader, collecting the entire output of her favorite authors. She loved sports, watching football, baseball, and basketball. She knew the players by name. She rooted for the Oregon State Beavers as a loyal fan. Freddie Jones, a graduate of Barlow, was a basketball favorite. Also, Joey Harrington, whose father coached at Barlow, was one of her favorite football athletes. She would knit while watching games and she shared her creations with the extended family.
Her favorite place in the world was the beach at Oceanside near Tillamook. When she wanted to recharge her spirit she looked to spend a few days walking along the shore.
Margo was definitely the best thing that ever happened to me. We had 46 wonderful years together before she died unexpectedly, probably from heart failure, but after a second bout with breast cancer. The latest session was bone cancer for which there was no cure, only remission. She endured 18 months of aggressive chemotherapy with grace and we thought we had it on the run. We were living one day at a time, trying not to look too far ahead, when one night she went to sleep and did not awake the next morning. Perhaps it was for the best but at the moment it is difficult to accept. We did have plans in spite of the one day at a time mentality. Finally, I would share with you a prayer that Margo kept in her bedside stand for 46 years… it expresses her faith and life style.,
I ACCEPT TODAY AS A PRECIOUS GIFT FROM GOD, I REJOICE THAT I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF LIVING IT FOR HIM.
Thank you, Father, for today, and for Your wisdom in giving us but one day at a time. I accept today as a precious gift from You. Through Your indwelling Spirit I walk in love today. I speak only words that uplift and bless. I express friendliness, understanding, patience, and compassion toward all with whom I come in contact.
I turn within for the counsel of Spirit in making every decision, in solving every problem. I let Your wisdom express freely through me today.
Father, You are my health, my strength, my courage, and my supply. You have given me this day, and I live it for You. I rejoice that through Your indwelling Spirit I have all the guidance, all the strength, and every quality of character I need to live this day successfully and victoriously.
Whatever I may be called on to do, I do it to Your glory. Thank You, Father, for today.
