Dear Carini and Pasternak families,

I just heard about Margaret's passing and I started thinking of all the fond memories I have of her.  I remember her from clear back in the Hartford branch in that tiny little chapel.  She had more energy and spunk than anyone I knew.  She had a heart of gold and a wonderful sense of humor, but yet I think she could have fought World Ward III single handedly.  

I will never forget the wonderful Luau she put on for our branch.  We had never had such an elaborate event before.  She served roast pig (a real pig on a big platter with an apple in its mouth), coconut chunks on the shell, a beverage of watermelon juice and orange juice mixed and I don't remember what else.  The Hawaiian music was playing and the hall was decorated beautifully.  In order to get in, the men had to have on Hawaiian shirts and the women had to have on a muumuu, and in R.S. we made some extras for those who didn't have one.  It was certainly a memorable event!

I remember when we used to have to go to Cambridge for district meetings.  One time Margaret, Doris Rowlands and I were going up there for a R.S. meeting.  We were late getting off.  Margaret was driving and she was going 110 mile per hour. You might not believe me, but if Doris were here she would verify it.  Doris is on the other side of the veil now too, and I'll bet she and Margaret are having a good laugh about it.  

Even though you'll miss your mom, she is probably so happy to be with your Dad and the old gang from the Hartford branch--the Martins, the Robisons, the Stevens, the Frosts, the Banases, the Tompkins, the Ingersols, my husband Matt, and many other loved ones.  I think the last time I saw your mom was quite a few years ago.  She was at the veil at the temple.  She looked so beautiful!  The temple workers commented on what a sweet, tiny little woman she was.  I thought, "If they only knew what a dynamic spirit was in that little body!"

I'm sure you're all having a mixed bag of feelings right now.  It's hard to let go of someone so dear.  Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,

Sister Eylene Mathewson

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies....Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."  Proverbs 31:10, 28.

I cannot think of a better way to describe Margaret than in words from the Bible, Proverbs 31 verses 10 through 31.  I have admired her example of kindness, concern and love for others.  She is a woman of great strength of character. She spread her wings and gathered in family, friends and strangers throughout her life and is now free to soar!

Margaret’s Gift

I once had a friend, a most special friend,

And when in her presence

It was like being in a beautiful garden.

And in this garden, I shall always feel her there,

In the soft sunshine dripping from every blade of grass,

In gentles breezes that caress the leaves of each tree to life,

And fluttering on the wind with colorful bees and butterflies,

Sipping from fragrant flowers, even more brilliant and alive.

A lovely Lady was she, of kindest countenance,

Whose soft spoken words have filled my heart.

She taught me the beauties of a gentle soul,

And the everlasting joys of a one-true-love.

She made of me something special, though it was not I,

But, her own uniqueness reflected in me.

I shall miss our soft moments together, too far between,

Of speaking of everything and nothing,

Like sharing birthdays a day apart,

Sparkling with love and life’s fullness, despite mortal years,

And a love of those things that bring the heebie-jeebies!

I shall ever again await to behold those kindest of eyes,

And feel the gentle touch of soft hands on mine.

Margaret, my dearest Margaret, thanks I give to you,

For every cherished moment once shared,

For accepting friendship and love with wide open arms,

And especially for loving me. . . and making for me a special place in your

heart.
 

With all the love a kindred heart can express,

Your friend for the eternities,

Shaan Blamires

Margaret was so good to me, long before I met her.  When Ralph and I were engaged she wrote me one of her rare letters, expressing her love and welcoming me to the family.  She wanted me to know that when we met (just a week before the wedding) it would not be for an inspection, but like a grand reunion of friends who knew each other before we were born.  She did what she could to make my entry into the large Carini family a comfortable one.  

Shortly after we were married, Ralph and I moved in with his parents "Until we could find a place of our own."  We got along so well in this situation that we stopped looking for a place of our own and considered this our home.  At first, Margaret said to me, "Of course, we may have problems or disagreements…"  

I interrupted her to quote my father (I was always quoting my father back then--still do once in a while).  My father learned a lot from observation while serving in leadership positions in our church.  He told me once, "If people are not getting along, you can be sure, at least one of them is not living the Gospel."  

When Margaret heard me say that (she told me later), she decided then and there, "Well, it won't be me!"  And it never was.  She was always kind, understanding, and patient with me.  She became my best friend.

Margaret,
You are an elect lady, daughter of God, designed to light our way and
make our burdens light.  We have enjoyed your words, your good taste,
your quick comprehension, your deep understanding, and you say it all
with bright eyes and the warmest of hearts.

Never has there been one, the likes of you, God loaned us your
sparkling soul for a moment in eternity. It is not enough for us now,
so we must measure up unto eternal standards if we are to be eternally
amongst the likes of you.

Your testimony is tucked safely in my heart.  Your example remembered
always.  You stand tallest in the halls of noble ones.  Your soul is
glimmering flame, a beacon.  I still will feel you even when I feel
you slip away from being here to God's circle into your father's and
Mother's, brothers's and sisters's and babies arms, into your
sweetheart's bosom.  Home forever!