Margaret May Brediger

Margaret May Brediger entered the presence of Jesus, on August 13, 2017. She lived a full life of 92 years, and was cherished by all of her family. Sadly, two of her children, sons Robert, and Paul, preceded her in death. Surviving children are Rosalie (John) Ross, of Houston Texas; Susan Dougherty, of Lynnwood, Washington; Georgia (Tom) Litsey, of Salem, Oregon; Virginia Suchert, of Everett Washington; George (Carole) Brediger lll, of Shoreline, Washington; Michael (De De) Brediger, of Stanwood, Washington; Arthur (Connie), of Clearview, Washington; John (Cindy) Brediger, of Shoreline, Washington; and Gloria Eilertsen, of Edmonds, Washington. There are 28 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and one great- great grandchild.

Margaret was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 14, 1925, to Dessa and Brick Harrell. She had one brother, Bobbi, who died at a young age. She talked often of her grandmother as a great influence in her childhood. Her grandmother did not have any books in her house other than hymnals, so Margaret spent her time memorizing the hymns. Her favorite hymn was titled “Face to Face.” Her love of the old hymns lasted throughout her life.

Margaret moved to Seattle at the age of 11, where she was introduced by her mother to the New Covenant Baptist Church. Here, she learned to love the Scriptures under the teachings of Dr. Kenyon, who she followed through his books throughout her life. Margaret developed lifetime relationships with the Cheeks and Miller’s and others who supported her Christian growth and mentored her through her youth.

Margaret was sitting at a bench at a skating party, removing her skates, when a handsome young man came up to her and asked her if he could help her put her skates back on. He told her he wanted to sing a song for her. She agreed. He sang God Bless America, in front of the entire skating rink, and they skated together the rest of the night. Needless to say, Margaret was quite smitten. She had met a handsome young man who had a beautiful voice and was also a Christian. The handsome young man was George Brediger, and this night turned into a loving relationship that lasted 57 years. They married on February 14, 1943.

Margaret and George were married soon after High School. She moved into army housing with George at McCord Field, as George had joined the Army and was in the Army band. They proceeded to have four children in their first four years of marriage, which certainly kept her busy. Her family grew to 11 children over 17 years.

Margaret did more than just give birth and take care of children over these years. She worked nights at Crownhill Hospital, and Ballard convalescent Center. Once the children were older, she was able to do the job she really loved. She became a kitchen supervisor for the Seattle public schools.

She was an excellent cook providing hearty meals for her family and friends. In fact, no one left her table hungry. The dinner table was full of good food and lots of conversation. One of her favorite ministries was hosting alpha ministry dinners where people would invite to dinner and then the word was shared over the latter years she would follow dinner with a game of Skip Bo and she would usually trout anyone she played.

Her greatest gift to her children was the transfer of her love for the Lord to her children, and she tirelessly and constantly molded an example of Christ like living to her family. She loves her children and helped a long- time friend host neighborhood Bible schools. Margaret prayed daily for each family member, including children and grandchildren by name. The family became so large that she was forced to later send her petitions to the Lord in groups.

Margaret liked being at home but, she did treasure her trips to see her children who lived out of state and, especially, her trips to Hawaii with George.

Margaret and George were married for 57 years. A huge loss occurred when George died. Saddened, Margaret sold their house and move to Edmonds. Over the years she enjoyed the friendship and love of a dear friend, Allen Ostrom. Their time together provided her with many hours of enjoyment.

Our Mama, the sweetest and dearest, most loving and gracious mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her message to each of us is to love each other as God has loved us.