Margaret M. Kossky, 87

Marge Kossky, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away peacefully at Hospice House on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013.

Born Aug. 28, 1925, in Blythe, Calif., Marge spent more than half her life in Southern California and has been a resident of Coeur d’Alene for more than 25 years. Better known as Marge and affectionately called Maggie by many family and friends.

Her long family history here in Coeur d’Alene began when her parents Jewil and Pop Jordon moved from California to Coeur d’Alene in 1943. They owned and operated Jordon’s Store on 15th Street for three decades. After their passing Jordon’s Store was run by her sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Hank Crawford, until the family business was sold in the ’80s.

Marge met her husband, Frank Kossky, dancing at Montebello Ballroom in California during the mid-40s. In 1948 they married and had three children. Her career life has spanned 65 years and has always been in the public as she so loved and enjoyed people. As a cashier at Safeway and Jim’s markets in California, cosmetologist in California and Coeur d’Alene and her last 10 years working in most of the major stores in Coeur d’Alene, Hayden and Post Falls with News America Marketing as a demonstrator and price analyst brought her much joy and pleasure to be on the go and out meeting people. During this time Marge also cared lovingly for her sister Virginia “Jenny” for 11 years, and then her brother-in-law Hank during the last year of his life.

Marge retired at age 81 and fully engaged all her social clubs and volunteering. She delighted most in her Red Hat Society luncheons and outings as Contessa Marge, Rambling Rovers, and always on the go. Lake City Center was also high on her social list for lunch and cards on Fridays with all her close friends and many Monday night Bingo. Marge’s friends in her 31-card club, and Lakewood card club were all very dear to her as well. Marge also volunteered at the Coeur d’Alene Visitors Center in both old and new locations, twice an Ironman volunteer and active member for many years in The Eagles and Rebekahs Lodge Carnation 95.

Marge’s bright smile, friendly manner and big red glasses have been her signature style and now becomes her legacy. Her strong will and fierce determination, sense of humor and positive attitude have played a major part in her recovery from the stroke she suffered in 2010. Marge remained active, full of life and living in her own home until the last week of her life.

Marge is survived by her daughter, Loma Devine; two sons, Marv Kossky and Joe Kossky; two grandchildren, Stacy Johnson and Darrin Kossky; three great-grandchildren, Taylor Johnson, Kayla Johnson and Michelle Kossky; as well as many loving nieces and nephews all of California. Her extraordinary extended family in Coeur d’Alene and California have been a precious gift of love and support to her and her family for many years.

The entire family extends their sincere gratitude and thanks to the dedicated staff of Hospice of North Idaho, Hospice House and her part time personal caregivers Veree Pope and Maryann Smith for providing her exceptional end of life comfort and loving care, compassion and dignity during Marge’s final time on Earth.

Her family takes great joy in knowing she is flying pain free and whole again in heaven.

A Celebration of her Life and her planned 88th Birthday party will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, at the family home “The Barn” for family and close friends.

Should you wish to honor her life with a monetary memorial please contact Hospice of North Idaho at (208) 772-7994.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Marge’s memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.