Margaret King died peacefully in her sleep Aug. 13 at the age of 96. She was a lifelong optimist, who always tried to find the best parts of people, situations and events.
A 1940 University of Chicago graduate, she had a strong business background and had various jobs in management, becoming a role model for other women in the workplace and their advocate as often as she could. She was the first woman to be elected a Village Trustee in Lombard, Illinois, in the early 1960s; later, on St. Croix, she was the first woman ever to be named assistant manager in the Bank of America’s International Division. She went on to become the manager of the Frederiksted branch of the Bank of America; and after that branch was closed, she was appointed, variously: assistant manager, chief loan officer and temporary manager at the Sunny Isle branch. From these positions she was pleased to help many local businesses start up and grow.
She was active in the Business and Professional Women’s Club, serving as president more than once. She also taught business classes at the College of the Virgin Islands. She was supported in all her endeavors by her husband of 55 years, William Hoeppner King, who preceded her in death in 1997.
Marge and Bill raised three daughters in Illinois before moving the family to St. Croix in 1969. As first jobs, they both worked for V.I. Properties at the Queen’s Quarter Hotel. She loved the tropical climate, and all the beautiful fruit and flowers her husband grew for her. Meeting new people was fun for her, and she and Bill had some memorable Caribbean travels with friends from BPW.
Marge is survived by her sister, Martha Garrison, 99 (N.C.); her daughters: Patricia King (Ill.), Judith King (Ill.) and Margaret (Peggy) Taylor (St. Croix); son-in-law, Gene Taylor (St. Croix); three grandchildren: Bill Brackney (Calif.), Elly Taylor (St. John) and Liza Taylor (St. Croix); three great-grandchildren; and 13 very special nieces and nephews, their husbands and wives, children and grandchildren.
Marge was much loved and will be much missed. She was a good and patient Mom, generous with advice and guidance.
We give great thanks to all the caregivers who helped throughout her last year of life: Dr. Carmen Cintron, Continuum Care, Sea View Health Care, Shemona, Maudeline, Rebekka and Madonna; the nurses, doctors and staff of Juan Luis Hospital; and the nurses and staff of the Herbert Grigg Home, who cared for her so well and so gently for her last two months of life.
In lieu of a memorial service, she asked that anyone who remembers her fondly to please drink a toast to love and joy, to family and good friends. Her wish: "May your glass always be half full!"
