On The Mark: Wright native is worth celebrating

Often, lifetime residents bring joy, humor and learning to their communities. Two weeks ago, Cromwell-Wright area residents celebrated the life and work of Margaret Webster.

Born and raised in Wright, Margaret Webster taught home economics for years at the school in McGregor. She organized community events, including humorous plays that she wrote and directed. Margaret also wrote and illustrated several books: "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Cemetery," "Are All the Heroes Gone?: Kalevala Stories for Today," and "Life-Times Six: Intimate Glimpses Into the Joys and Struggles of Six Generations of Northland Immigrants." One year at the Cromwell-Wright Harvest Fest, Margaret, dressed in wild clothing, sang a yoik, in the traditional form of Sámi music performed by the Sámi people in northern Europe.

Last Saturday, Bethany Church was packed with community mourners and friends, some of whom, like Becky Lourey, drove miles to join.

Margaret's four children and their offspring designed a beautiful tribute to Margaret, including a slideshow full of joy and goofiness. Two very good friends were pallbearers. I had the honor to wear a fabric photo reproduction of Margaret, while walking down the aisle following the urn at the end of the service.

Our minister directed our attention to the beautiful panels Margaret designed and sculpted with help of her brother, gracing the walls of the church. She also designed and built a gorgeous wooden backdrop for the baptismal font to the right of the altar. The church was packed with people who admired and loved Margaret.

It was a good day, filled with smiles in memory of a wonderful human being.

Columnist Ann Markusen is an economist and professor emerita at University of Minnesota. She lives in Red Clover Township north of Cromwell with her husband, Rod Walli.