Margaret "Marge" Byerley's Obituary
Margaret “Marge” Byerley, nee Hoffman, 93, was born on January 2, 1932 to Sofia & Bernard Hoffman. She grew up in Maplewood (Cahokia) with her 10 siblings. She was a life-long devout Catholic and attended school at the Jarrot Mansion in Cahokia which was part of Holy Family parish and graduated from Dupo High School.
She married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Byerley, on November 11, 1950 and became an Army wife shortly thereafter. After his discharge, they returned to IL and with the help of her father, built a house in Columbia. Marge worked at Union Bank in East St. Louis for 10 years until they adopted their two daughters.
Marge was a stay-at-home mom and volunteered as a room mother, softball coach and Girl Scout leader and also helped with church picnics, fundraisers and activities. She loved to be outside and created beautiful extensive landscaping at their home. She worked side-by-side with her husband on numerous home improvement projects. Her family was her life. She was a dedicated caretaker for all who needed it.
She loved to bake and everyone who dropped by could count on fresh coffee and homemade cake, pie or her famous zucchini bread. She was also an accomplished seamstress and made several entire wedding dresses plus innumerable clothes for her daughters and grandchildren. Above all else, she was always prepared to create memorable experiences. Her holiday decorations were spectacular. Birthdays were always celebrated events. She made everyone feel like the most special person in the world.
After her daughters were grown, she returned to her career in banking until she and her husband retired. After retirement, they bought a travel trailer and took an epic tour of the southwestern US. They spoiled their grandchildren with camping trips, day excursions, sleepovers and about anything else they could think of.
In later years, she and her husband enjoyed senior bus tours. They were always on the go and rarely spent a day without leaving their house. She was a life-long fan of the St Louis Cardinals and seldom missed a game. She was also an extraordinary baker of Christmas cookies and baked hundreds every year to share with family and friends.
Approaching her 90s, she and Bob moved to the Benedictine Living Center at the Shrine where they made many new friends and enjoyed many outings and activities. She especially loved playing bingo, the music concerts and the monthly birthday celebration. They celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary in 2024 at a fabulous event hosted by the Shrine to honor its veteran community. Five months later, Bob was called home to heaven. She looked forward to joining him as soon as God was ready.
Throughout her life, Marge loved unconditionally. She believed everyone was good. She was loved by everyone who knew her. She never had an enemy and had a place in her heart for the whole world. She touched more hearts and will be missed by more than she could ever imagine.
Marge is survived by her daughters, Rose (Jerry) Cronin and Michelle Byerley, her granddaughters, Christine (Sergio Sanchez-Regalado) Cronin, Haley (Jake) Degenhardt, great-grandchildren, Theo, Faye and Lily, her brother, Lee (Nancy Sido) Hoffman, her sister Ida Cannito, and many nieces and nephews.
On December 7, 2025 she was rewarded with eternal life in heaven with her beloved husband, Bob, her grandson, Joe Cronin, brothers, Beno, Bobby and Dick Hoffman , sisters Mary Johnson, Dorothy Baldwin, Betty Tatum, Bea Schisler, Jean Sweeney, and many nieces and nephews.
Among her happiest moments was becoming a mom, a grandmother and a great-grandmother. Her whole family was her greatest joy. She loved flowers, holiday gatherings, cardinal birds, lively polka music, angels and especially the magic of Christmas. It will be a beautiful celebration in heaven for her arrival.
Visitation will be at 2pm on December 12, 2025 at the Benedictine Chapel, followed by a Mass at 3pm. A reception for family & friends will be at 4pm in the Community room. All will be held at 726 Community Drive in Belleville. Interment will be at JB Cemetery on a later date.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Benedictine Living Center for their kind and compassionate care as well as the hospice team at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial mass cards are available from Will Campbell at the Shrine Chapel office.
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