Margaret Brandsma

March 9, 1935 - January 7, 2017

Visitation: Visitation will be Wednesday from 2 to 8:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, with family present from 6 to 8:00 p.m.

Service: Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Bethany Reformed Church in Canton.

margaret-brandsma0001

Canton.  Margaret Ann Brandsma, 81, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 7, 2017 at her home in Canton.  Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Bethany Reformed Church in Canton.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 2 to 8:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, with family present from 6 to 8:00 p.m.

Margaret was born March 9, 1935 in Lake Preston, SD to Gorden and Hazel (Eveland) Maxam.  She attended school in Lake Preston, graduating in 1953.  She then attended Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen.  She began her teaching career in Canton in 1957.  She taught for a short time in Rapid City prior to her marriage.

Margaret was united in marriage to Allen Brandsma January 19, 1963 in Lake Preston.  They made their home in Canton before moving to the family farm north of Canton. She continued teaching in Canton until her retirement in 1998.  When Allen retired from farming in 2002, they moved to Canton.   She volunteered at Lawrence Elementary School and maintained many friendships made at the school.  She and Allen attended many of their grandchildren’s school activities in Clark and enjoyed traveling in their retirement years.  Margaret was an avid chocolate lover and an intense board game player.  She also cross-stitched, volunteered at the library, and delivered Meals on Wheels.  She was a member of the Eastern Star, SDEA, NEA, and South Dakota Reading Council.

Those grateful for having shared her life are her husband of 54 years, Allen; her daughter, Susan (Mark) Schmit, Clark, SD; her grandchildren, Jonathan and Laura; aunt, Beryl Pope, Medford, OR; nieces, Barbara (E.J.) Wang and Karen (Bob) Kunik; brothers-in-law- George Brandsma, Euless, TX, Robert (Carrie) Brandsma, Sioux Falls, SD, and Loren (Roberta) Brandsma, Kalona, IA.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Leland.

www.andersonandsonsfh.com

Leave a Condolence
Your email address will not be published.

9 messages have been left

  1. Merry Lone on January 9, 2017 said:

    We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom.
    Our Sympathy and thought are with you during this most difficult time!
    Merry and Garry

  2. Linda Witt on January 9, 2017 said:

    We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

  3. AMY SUSAN PETRIK on January 9, 2017 said:

    My deepest sympathy to my friend Susan and her charming family. Thinking of you all and praying for comfort during this sad sad time. I’m here anytime for you. Blessings to everyone, Love Amy

  4. Pat Dittberner on January 9, 2017 said:

    Margaret was a neighbor and friend from north of town and she was one of my regular volunteers for getting water bills ready to mail when I worked for the city. Always greeted us with a smile. I just saw her at Good Sam and we chatted for a few minutes. I am so sorry for your loss, Susan. She will be missed by many. Patty Dittberner

  5. Lori Livermore on January 10, 2017 said:

    Susan its lori my sympthany goes out to u and your family sorry for your loss i remembser your mom teachong grade school sorry for ur loss

  6. Betty (Hoffman) and George Poliahu on January 10, 2017 said:

    Susan, we are so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a dear friend for so many years. I always looked forward to visiting with her when I came back to Canton for a visit. You and your dad are in our thoughts and prayers.

  7. Judy Hall on January 11, 2017 said:

    My sincere condolences in the loss of our friend, Margaret. We taught together at the E.O. Lawrence School in Canton when it first opened up. I taught first grade and she taught second grade. Our rooms were right beside each other. As life would have it, we both had daughters named Susan. She will be missed by many. I would see her at least once or twice a year when she came to our Springdale ice cream socials or soup suppers. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Allen and Susan’s family. Judy (Hajek) Hall

  8. Ardell Kaubisch on January 11, 2017 said:

    So sorry for your loss. She was my kindergarten teacher and I absolutely loved her. She loved her students and she is the reason I have a love of reading.

  9. Virginia Huntimer on January 11, 2017 said:

    Allen and Susan – my sympathy to you. It was a shock to hear about long time friend, Margaret, from days at E.O.L and evenings of Book Club meetings. Good Memories.