The Sartwelle Family - Mary Margaret Sartwelle
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Mary Margaret Sartwelle Charlton (1920 - 2002)
By Catherine Charlton Cogburn (July 2002)
Mary Margaret Sartwelle Charlton came into this life in Del Rio,
Texas on March 3, 1920., the first born of George and Mary Sartwelle.
She grew up in the country north of Del Rio, learning (but never liking)
to ride horses and herd sheep. Her little brother, George, and her
little sister, Preshy, were a source of great joy to her. She grew into
a charming and beautiful young woman, well-loved for her humor and
playfulness. She captured the heart of her lifelong companion, Marvin,
in the summer of 1938. It took him two years to convince her to marry
him. Their wedding took place on January 4, 1941 in Yuma, Arizona, and
they lived and worked and played together in Los Angeles until the start
of World War II. During this extended honeymoon, they danced as often as
possible to the sounds of the big bands they never stopped loving.
They were blessed with three children, Cynthia, Dennis, and Catherine,
and Mary Margaret devoted her love, talents and intelligence to caring
for her husband and raising her children. She was also a great friend
and even better bridge player.
Her greatest tragedy may have been the loss of her sister and best
friend, Preshy, in 1982. During the year before Preshy's death, Mary
Margaret taught us all the meaning of devotion, and courage to face the
impossible with grace and determination.
Her grandchildren, Alan, Darren, David, Erin, Melanie, Laura, Michael
and Daniel were her pride and joy. Little Daniel came into our lives
after her stroke, and she would light up so much whenever he came to see
her most every day. He made her last few years of struggle far easier
and more full of love. Daniel's parents Dennis and Gabriela were
selfless in their constant support of both Mary Margaret and Marvin.
Her husband Marvin dedicated himself to her care for seven years. His
incredible patience, love and kindness was a lesson of true service, and
the living out of the highest level of morality. He made her final years
meaningful for her, and for her family.
She was an honest and straightforward woman who gave her strength, love
and humor to us all. She will be missed, and she will live inside each
of us forever.