Margaret Jester

Margaret Jester, age 88, of Abingdon, Maryland, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024, at Autumn Lakes Nursing Home in Parkville, Maryland. Born in Baltimore, she was the beloved daughter of the late Leo and Thelma (Schlotthober) Dougherty and the devoted wife of the late Donald Marvin Jester, with whom she shared over 70 wonderful years of marriage.

A loving mother and grandmother, Margaret was the heart of her family. Known for her strength and resilience, she ran her household with a combination of strong will and deep love, creating a warm, welcoming space for her loved ones. 

Margaret had a passion for puzzles and was an accomplished cross-stitcher, gifting her family with stunning pieces of art. She particularly enjoyed crafting her much-loved cross-stitch Christmas cards, which she thoughtfully planned months in advance. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she devoted herself to making it magical for her family, down to the smallest details—including gifts for the family dogs. She was known for her delicious holiday meals and her talent for baking Christmas cookies, making each celebration unforgettable.

While Margaret dedicated many years to homemaking, she later joined the workforce, where she thrived in a variety of roles. She worked in a warehouse driving a forklift, assisted at her son’s school, and ultimately managed a dental office. Her hard work, dedication, and care for others were evident in everything she did. 

Margaret is survived by her loving daughter, Carolyn Jester and her husband Paul; her devoted son, Steven Jester and his wife Carrie; her cherished granddaughter, Kara Jester; and her beloved grand-dogs, Shadow and Cora.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude's or the SPCA of Maryland in Margaret's memory.