Margaret T. Foust

Margaret is survived by her loving mother Magdaline (Jean) Houst and her soul mate and long time partner Jim Falat.

Funeral Visitation, Friday, June 4, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Zefran Funeral Home, 1941 West Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois 60608.

Funeral Services, Saturday, June 5, 2010 from Zefran Funeral Home 9:00am to Celebration of Life Mass of Resurrection 9:30a.m at St. Paul Catholic Church, 2127 W. 22nd Place, Chicago, Illinois 60608. Interment St. Adalbert Cemetery, 6800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, Illinois 60714.

Arrangements under the direction of Zefran Funeral Home, Chicago, Illinois. Connie Rodriguez, Funeral Director.

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Margaret T. Foust. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Margaret was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Margaret was born at Rush - Presbyterian St. Lukes Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. She was the daughter of Carl & Jean Foust. Margaret was raised in the Heart of Chicago community. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Margaret was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Margaret's personality throughout her life.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Margaret was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Margaret was always tactful. One thing Margaret will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Margaret had a number of interests and was an active child.

For Margaret, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Margaret was also adept at details. Margaret was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Lourdes High school in 1980. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Drama.

College can be a challenge, but Margaret appeared to be well equipped to succeed. She had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around her. Margaret had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Margaret enjoyed using the skills she'd already learned and applying them to new courses. She knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. She earned her Bachelor Degree from Columbia College Chicago. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Juris Doctorate at Hamline University. Her favorite courses were Writing. Her favorite professor was Randy Albeus. Margaret even had her Poem published in the college paper.

There was one thing that all of Margaret's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Margaret was such a popular person throughout her life. But Margaret was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Margaret was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Margaret was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Margaret was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Margaret was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Margaret made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Sue Cinelli. Later in life, she became friends with Carla, Sharon, Lynn, Valerie, Lisa and Raymond.

Margaret was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Margaret cared for what others thought and carried that into her relationship who she shared with her soul mate Jim Falat.. Compassionate and devoted, Margaret worked hard to make her life partner happy.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Margaret, and she expected the same from those around her. Margaret was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Margaret was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Margaret handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was a Hearing Officer for the State of Illinois Department of Labor. She was employed for 15 years. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Margaret enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were Skiing.

Not only did Margaret enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Paris, Rome, Austria and Germany.

Margaret passed away on May 30, 2010 at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. After a long battle with Cancer. She is survived by her mother Jean and soul mate Jim Falat Services were held at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Margaret was laid to rest in St. St. Adalbert's Cemetery.

Margaret was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Margaret was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Margaret T. Foust.