Entered God's loving arms, March 18, 2012, age 78. Beloved wife of Frank H. for over 60 years. Loving ma and cherished grandma of oldest, Randall F. Silkey, Sr. (ex-wife Mary Lee Burgess), the late Allen Irvin (ex-wife Peggy Bayee), and the late Brian Edward (Lynn), Sandra Margaret (Jeff) and Monica Ruth (Sean) Kennedy. Cherished grandma of Randall F. Silkey, Jr. (Wendy nee Moore), Alex Corbin, Nathan Doye, Ryan Paul (Jessica nee Knapp), Justin Michael Silkey, Andrew Owen, Christopher Frank-James and Holly Margaret Kennedy. Great-grandma of Noah James, Madeline Eleanor and Liam Brian. Sister-in-law of Ruth Lawrence. Preceded in death by her brother Irvin R. Williams. She will be dearly missed by her beloved poodle, Pepper.Gathering at WAUWATOSA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 2366 North 80th Street, Wauwatosa, Saturday, March 24, 10:00 AM – Noon. Memorial at Noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the church in Margaret's name.Our Mother's StoryMargaret and Frank Silkey had a lifelong commitment to Milwaukee. Margaret was a first generation American. Margaret's father immigrated from Wales. Margaret's mother was a Guenther whose family contributed to founding of Beaver Dam. Margaret began her community service in 1973 as president of a local 1053 (AFSCME AFL-CIO). Margaret led her union for over 12 years taking the school system out on strike. Margaret's efforts led to one of the largest public union worker strikes that closed down MPS. Her brothers and sisters from other city and county unions joined her strike lines.Margaret was a long time supporter of novice elected leaders helping them in their first elections. Margaret served on the Governor's Appointed Patients Compensation Board under Tony Earl and Transportation Commission. Margaret served on the City of Milwaukee City Planning Commission. Margaret was a delegate to the Democratic National Committee for Walter Mondale. Community Contributions included: Sherman Park Redevelopment Corporation; Sherman Park Community Association Officer, delegate and/or committee member of Local 1053; District Council 48 and the International American Federation State, County Municipal Employees; Milwaukee County Labor Council and State AFL-CIO Employee Assistance Program; Steering Committee; Affirmative Action Committee; Plus a member of several other School Board established committees; Member of various political campaign committees; Boy Scout Leader; Girl Scout Leader; P.T.A. President.Professional Affiliations included: Golden Key Honor Society, Member since 1989; Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Member since 1989; Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society, Member since 1990; Milwaukee Board of Realtors; Wisconsin Realtors Association; National Realtors Association.Other Affiliations: Good Samaritan Health Maintenance Organization, Appointed to the Board, January, 1983, Resigned 1986; Sherman Park Redevelopment Corporation Board, Member since 1952, Currently " Usher, Past " Deacon of various Milwaukee Presbyterian churches; Local 1053 " American Federation State, County Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, Member since 1965; Future Milwaukee Alumna, Member of the Class of 1986 of UWM. She was the oldest graduate paired together with the youngest.
