Margaret Barbara Ackland

Margaret Barbara Ackland April 12, 1913 - October 25, 2010 On October 25, 2010, after 97 years of living life to it's fullest, Margaret B. Ackland, of St. Augustine has passed on to take her rightful place among the angels. Margaret led a life dedicated to family, church and service to others. She will be missed deeply by her family and friends, but leaves behind the memory of an inspirational life of loving and caring for others. Born April 12, 1913 to a farming family in Viborg, South Dakota, Margaret developed a love of nature and all growing things that continued through her long life. She was well known for taking care of plants and "weeds" alike in her gardening efforts. While working for the US Government during World War II, Margaret met and married George Fredrick Ackland, eventually making their home outside Rochelle, Illinois, where they spent many happy years farming and raising their three children. Miami, Florida, became Margaret's home in 1957. There, she worked as a legal secretary to the attorney general and a circuit court judge, as well as working beside her husband in managing their apartment business. Upon retiring to St. Augustine in 1981, Margaret began her volunteerism in earnest. In 2006, Catholic Charities bestowed the Good Samaritan Award on Margaret, in recognition of her many years in the Flagler Hospital Auxiliary, where she worked in outpatient surgery, eventually topping 5,500 hours of service. Margaret was also a member of the volunteer corps at the St. John County Council on Aging. Her service there included helping with the celebrity breakfasts, bingo, and delivering Meals on Wheels for 15 years. Her nomination noted that she goes above and beyond in delivering meals, as she "brightens the senior's day, chats with them and checks on their well being." Margaret is a long standing member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church, and worked with the Rosary Guild and Church Guides for many years. She also served for ten years on the board at Pelican Inlet Condominiums. She is survived by her son, Marvin and wife Kay; her daughter, Kay Benford and husband Mac; grandsons, Matthew Ackland and Wade Benford; Sister-in-law, Rita Goodhope and many loving nieces and nephews. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, George, son, Steve, and grandson, Brian, as well as her four brothers and sisters. Our hearts are heavy with her loss, but her legacy of strength and caring will be with us always. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Margaret's name, to the Tranquility Garden at Flagler Hospital Health Care Foundation. A Catholic Mass will be said in her honor at 9 AM on Friday, October 29, 2010 at St Anastasia Catholic Church. A memorial service will also be held at the Pavilion, her home for the past five years, 161-B Marine Street, on Friday, October 29, 2010 at 1:30 PM. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.