For the second time in as many months we have faced the loss of a dear friend and elder of St Columba’s. On 27th June the church was full once again with family and friends who came to celebrate the life of Margaret Williams. On her 80th birthday, a few years ago, we featured an article entitled “A Starr is born”. Margaret Edith Starr was born on 10th December 1936, later marrying David Williams whom she met at the Maison de Dance in Stockton. They had two children, Andy and Jane.
Margaret became a dedicated Primary School teacher and often went “above and beyond” to care for her pupils. She was a member and elder at Norton URC for many years and ran the Girls’ Brigade, providing a safe and nurturing environment where girls could enjoy exciting activities and holidays.
When Norton church closed, Margaret came to join us at St Columba’s and quickly felt called to join the eldership team. She played a full part in the life of the church, joining in with activities, keeping minutes of meetings, organising flowers and running her very popular “toy” tombola at our church fairs. At her funeral, Margaret’s son mentioned how she kept in touch with people on the phone and was an expert at keeping her calls to 59 minutes in order to avoid a charge! Many members and friends have experienced this, and been grateful for Margaret keeping in touch, especially with people who have moved away or who have been experiencing difficult situations or illness.
Margaret loved travelling, especially to visit her friend Carolyn in the USA. Carolyn often visited St Columba’s when she was staying with Margaret and has asked us to plant a rose in her memory. We will certainly do this in the Autumn when conditions are more favourable.
Margaret will be greatly missed at St Columba’s but this “Starr” will continue to shine in the memories of those whose lives she touched.
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