OBITUARY Margaret Catherine Apgar May 27, 1937 – January 4, 2019 Play Tribute Movie Margaret C. Apgar, age 81, of Dover, FL passed away on Friday, January 4, 2019. She was born on May 27, 1937 in Sugar Loaf Township, PA, the daughter of Margaret (Hopek) and John Gruzecki. Margaret’s parents immigrated to the United States from Mielec, Poland to Sugar Loaf Valley, PA to build a better life for their family.
As her parents were farmers in Poland, they took up farmland here as well. This is when Margaret started to develop a deep respect for hard work and living from the land. Margaret was a Pollock at heart, raised with the customs and traditions of her ancestors.
She also had the luxury of being a first generation American citizen learning the American way of life and schooling, too. Margaret was a caregiver for her Mother in her formative years, going to school, doing chores and taking care of her Mom. She continued her generous support and care of others throughout her life.
Margaret shared over 61 years of marriage with her husband William. Together they owned and operated a bowling alley for many years. She had a fond love for gardening and was a member of the Valrico Garden Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Golden Agers and the Sonshine Circle.
Sonshine is spelled with an O to represent the Son of God. Margaret met the love of her life, Bill, as she out with friends at the dance hall. Bill and Margaret were quite the pair as dance partners, later becoming partners for life.
As a married couple they moved to NJ to begin their home and family. Margaret was passionately involved with family and extended family. She spent a great deal of free time visiting and spending time family.
She was an accomplished cook and her Polish dishes amazing. As was her custom, she sat anyone who visited down at the kitchen table; the coffee pot was always on and food was always there to serve. Margaret had a number of secretarial and food service jobs but settling on Customer Service as her career; she had a love and knack for serving and helping people.
A devoted wife, mother, sister and friend she was always there to lend a hand or listen. As a member at church she was active in groups, teaching, working and serving the people. Deeply devoted to Jesus she supported ministry and mission work.
She was active with the Sonshine mission especially. Survivors include her husband, William O. Apgar, of the home; children, Bill Apgar of Lebanon, NJ, Dennis Apgar of Lakeland, FL and Sharon Marie (Joel) Rentz of Valrico, FL; grandchildren, Sarah Hall of Seffner, FL, Dennis Michael Apgar of Lakeland, FL, Samantha Rentz, Anthony Agar-Rentz, Jakob Brown and Dezrae Brown, all of Valrico, FL and one sister, Marie Pavell. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, John, Joseph, Pete, Gus, Tina, Violet, Clarence and Stanley.
Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 pm, Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Wells Memorial. Visitation will be two hours prior, from 2:00-4:00 pm, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Sonshine Women’s Circle: Sonshine Circle WHFMS, c/o Mrs. Chyrll L Bowyer, 14517 Walden-Sheffield Road, Dover, FL 33527.
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