Margaret Blizzard

Margaret Blizzard died peacefully at home on March 15, 2022. This is our Mother’s story.  She was a child of the Great Depression who never forgot her roots.  Known as Mom, Mom Mom, Sis and Aunty Marty, she was born on February 15, 1933 to Eleanor Lillian O’Meara Lowthert and William Lowthert in Upland, Pennsylvania, a small mill town southwest of Philadelphia. Growing up was difficult, but she and her family persevered through hard work, love and support from each other and friends, including lifelong friends Betty Richardson McClintock and Doris Ferguson Fraim.

Mom started school early at Hill Street School in Upland to make sure her older brother Bill made it to school on time, which rarely worked.  It was at Hill Street where she first met our Father, Francis “Frank” Blizzard who was known as Bliz to her. She first caught our Dad’s attention by tripping in a three-legged race and breaking her collarbone. It was not love at first sight. Yet, despite the clumsy introduction, they eventually started dating while attending Eddystone High School where they both graduated.

Soon after graduation, she went to work for J. Wayne Hamilton Insurance in Chester, PA. and Dad went into the Army, serving 2 years in Japan during the Korean War.  Shortly after Dad returned from Japan, they rekindled their relationship, got married in 1953 and started a family.  Their first son Edward was born in 1954, followed by Thomas (1957), Joseph (1960), and Michael (1966). After Michael was born, Mom began her lifelong dedication to exercise and healthy living.

Dad worked his way up the ranks at Atlantic Richfield while attending night school to get his degree and Mom received her GHT (Getting Hubby Through) while raising four boys with countless activities. In 1971, Dad was transferred to Dallas, and Mom and Dad settled in Plano where they made fast and lasting friends with all the neighbors. The next years were a whirlwind as we moved from Plano to El Lago where they again made fast and lasting friends and Dad went from working for others to working for himself.   All the while Mom was by his side and he by hers.  They had a true symbiotic relationship.

Dad was successful in his business and in 1987 decided to retire.  By this time, they had purchased a place outside of Brenham, Texas and had dabbled in the world of thoroughbred racing. They spent their time travelling to different racetracks in Texas and neighboring states and tending to the mares and foals at the C3 Ranch as well as immersing themselves in the Brenham community.  Mom continued her passion for exercise and neighbors would see her in the morning and evenings walking the road for her 8 miles a day.  She also loved her exercise class and the women of Lete Phillips’s MWF 8:30 class.  Though not able to walk the roads anymore, Mom continued to attend exercise class well into her 89th year.

Besides exercise, Mom loved gardening, and of course, most importantly, her family and faith.  Mom and Dad were married for 65 years until Dad’s death in 2018.  Mom is survived by her sons: Ed, Tom, Joe, and Mike; daughters-in-law:  Diana, Toni, Jane, Karen, and Cindy; six grandchildren: Megan Blizzard, Anna Greenberg (Matt), Ryan Blizzard (Blair), Patrick Blizzard (Katie), John Blizzard, and Matthew Blizzard; four great-grandchildren: Emma Greenberg, Jordan Blizzard, Ben Greenberg, and Sloan Blizzard. She is also survived by her sisters- in- law, Doris McElwee and Ann Achuff.  The family would like to thank Sharon Graham at Allumine Hospice as well as Judy Harris and her group for their kindness and friendship during the last 6 months.

Visitation with the family will be held Sunday March 20 from 5-7 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham. After a private burial, a memorial mass will be held on Monday March 21 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brenham. Following the mass there will be a reception at the Margaret E. Blizzard Senior Center in Brenham.  In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Washington County Health Living Association, http://www.seniorcenterbrenham.com or the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, http://www.bgc-brenham.org/

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833.