Margaret Waterman, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, left this world April 20, 2010 in her Clinton home from complications of a stroke suffered two weeks earlier. She was 81 years old. Her sweet and loving soul will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Margaret’s life journey began Oct. 6, 1928 in Pillager, Minn. to William and Elnora Warden, the youngest of 13 children. At the age of 16, she moved with her family to Snohomish, where she met and married Bernard “Bud” Waterman (devoted husband for 34 years) soon after his return from World War II.

From 1948 to 1952, the young family lived on Whidbey Island, where they started their business of 40 years, the Waterman Mill Company. Though the business continued, they chose to make their home in Everett, where they raised their family before returning full time to Whidbey Island in the 1970s.

As a younger woman, Margaret loved to go boating (many family vacations on Canadian waters), dancing, sewing, making crafts, traveling and being a mother. Even though she was physically limited the past 20 years of her life due to minor strokes, her spirit was strong and she enjoyed getting out of the house at every opportunity to experience life to the fullest. Her heartfelt generosity was her gift to all that knew and loved her.

Dearest to her heart was her family. She is survived by her son Daniel (Annalee) Waterman of Clinton; daughters Linda (Don) Weiss of Brier, Debra Waterman (Michael Cramer) of Langley, and Rose Waterman of West Seattle; grandchildren Darlene, Dawn, Danielle, Dixie, David, Daniel, Daylene, Deanne, Dannette, Denise, Donna, Jason, Matt, Michelle and Cato; great-grandchildren Korinna, Ehlana, Zarin, Tyler, Connor, Colten and Alice; step grandchildren Amanda and Justin; step great-grandson Caden; siblings Carrie Thorson of North Dakota, Mary Lou Tracy of Minnesota, Edward Warden of Everett, Irene Britton of Minnesota, and Clifford Warden of Everett.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Bernard Waterman (1981), second husband (fun-loving) Hank Bencala (2001), son Duane Waterman (1952), great-granddaughter Tanya Scriven (2007), and seven of her siblings.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 1 at the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club near Langley. Friends are invited to join the family in celebrating Margaret’s life.

Friends and family may also view the online obituary, sign and leave messages at www.visserfuneralhome.com.