Margaret E. Findlay

Margaret "Margo" Findlay passed away on August 31, 2013 – leaving behind a legacy of great love, contagious laughter and generations of strong-willed "Findlay Girls." Margo was the daughter of Clyde and Ruby Thomas; sister to Opal, Helen, Lela, Gick and Jim. She grew up in Indianapolis and enjoyed going to shows with her friends and dinners "uptown". She married Edward Findlay on August 31, 1940 and worked at Eli Lilly while he served his country in the Great War. She later managed a Paul Harris clothing store and then worked till retirement as a teller at Merchants Bank. She was the proud mother of two daughters: Marilyn (David) Rees, of Greenfield, IN; and Peggy (Bob) Broda, of West Newbury, MA; as well as seven grandchildren: Todd (Lisa) Rees, Noblesville,IN; Jennifer (Troy) Carolan, Fishers, IN; Erin (Patrick) Kiernan, Wilbraham, MA; Kelly (Scott)Barkman, Minneapolis, MN; Joshua (Kara) Rees, Greenfield, IN; Valerie (John) Sharpe, East Longmeadow, MA; and Adrienne (Ben) Wright, New York City, NY. She was "the warmest, sweetest woman on the planet", but still managed to keep everyone on their toes, including her 11 great-grandchildren who lovingly referred to her as "Mama Margo." Margo will be remembered for her kindness, style and wit. She was always "dressed to the nines" complete with jewelry, stylish shoes and matching purse, and of course, painted nails and lips! She taught by example how to live a full life, how to take on challenges, and how to show extreme grace under pressure. Life thru many challenges her way – numerous cancers, knee surgery, hip surgery, back surgery – but each time, she rebounded and continued on her path. Her life of 93 years was full of ups and downs but also overflowing with stories of her love, compassion, and endless sass. So sassy. Long will the story be told of when a cranky woman in Castleton mall once dared to demand that Margo and her granddaughters "please sit quietly!" because they were interrupting her reading time … Margo's response was swift: "Rock the bench, girls! Rock the bench!" The woman walked off in a huff, but in that moment, taught her granddaughters the greatest lesson ever: fear no one and nothing; and live the life you want, the way you want to live it. Margo was an amazing mother and grandmother and her marriage to Ed was an inspiration to her family. It is no coincidence that she passed away on what would have been her 73rd wedding anniversary – and the same date that her husband passed away 16 years prior. She finished what they started, in true Margo style. And she did so with complete faith that her "Findlay Girls" would keep that family tradition alive with each new generation that arrives. Godspeed, Margo. Heaven is most definitely a rockin' place with you up there … Please smile down us and warm us with your love. We forever love you, Sassy Girl. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan