Margaret Emlong

Margaret “Pegge” Emlong, 97, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at her home. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2012, followed by burial at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. A gathering will take place at a later date to celebrate Margaret’s long and rich life. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home or St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Margaret was born on September 14, 1914, in Muskegon, MI to William and Helen (McGee) Coutchie. June 27, 1936, in Muskegon, Michigan, Margaret married Clifford “Cliff” Emlong, former mayor of St. Joseph. Together they had three sons: Ralph, Scott, and Rocque. Margaret was very devoted to her family and was a wonderful sister, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. While her sons were growing up, she was very involved with their many activities at St. Joseph Catholic Schools. Margaret enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, gardening, and decorating. She was a lifelong member of Indian Hills Garden Club. She also helped with the interior decorating of the Maude Preston Public Library. For many years Margaret helped run Emlong’s Garden Center and Gift Shop alongside her husband Cliff and son Rocque. She especially proved her many talents planning, buying, and decorating the wonderful holiday displays at the nursery. Despite her petite size, she always had a large presence and an equally large heart. With her strong sense of style, elegance, and grace, she left her family wonderful life lessons and memories. She will be greatly missed. Margaret is survived by her two sons Rocque (Martha) Emlong of St. Joseph and Scott Emlong (Nancy Hall) of Cape Cod, MA; daughter- in -law Joan Emlong of St. Joseph; two grandsons Ralph and Mike Emlong; three granddaughters Lisa Lindholm, Alexis and Molly Emlong; five great- grandchildren Drake and Lily Emlong; John, Ethan and Regan Lindholm. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, oldest son Ralph Emlong and brothers Frederich, Alex and Ted Coutchie.