Margaret Ann “Markie” (Lewis) Grader
09/15/1925 – 12/27/10
Born on Sept 15th, 1925 in Minneapolis MN to parents Richard and Mary Lewis, Margaret passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family following a courageous battle with cancer. She grew up in Minneapolis where she attended Washburn High School. 
She then went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts from The University of Minnesota, and pursued a career in education. As a young woman, she moved west to take a teaching job in Mt. Vernon, WA, where she met and married the love of her life, Herman T. Grader. They were happily married for 37 years until his passing in 1989. They had four children: Elizabeth Lee (Norton), Thomas Theodore Grader, Jane Ann (Carlson) and Glen Owen Grader. She was also blessed with nine grandchildren. Margaret taught elementary school for over 30 years, mostly as a kindergarten teacher in the Seattle School District and the Highline School District.
If her husband and family were her first loves, music was surely her second. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Margaret was an enthusiastic member of the Sweet Adelines Women’s Chorus. 
Her years of active membership with the Puget Sound, Lakeside and Pacific Sound choruses gave Margaret the opportunity to travel the globe and perform in such places as Carnegie Hall in New York, The Sydney Opera House in Australia, and the 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle. Along the way, she made many life long friends for whom she will be remembered not only for her musical talent, but also her warmth, grace and most especially her cheerful laugh.
In addition to her musical interests, Margaret dedicated many years to volunteer work with the Overlake Service League of Bellevue. She loved the many hours spent volunteering at the Service League’s Bellevue thrift store, as well as being a part of charity planning meetings.
An amazing woman, Markie would be described by family and friends alike as warm, cheerful, humble and kind to all. She was one of those rare individuals with the ability to make all those around her feel special and of value. Throughout the battle she fought the last two years of her life, she virtually never complained. She carried herself with amazing grace and dignity, and remained upbeat and cheerful to her final days. It was often said by those who met her during this time that despite her illness, she was the “youngest 85 year-old” they had ever met.
Margaret’s family would like to offer a heartfelt word of thanks to Dr. Tanya Wahl, Oncologist at Overlake, and the many “Angels” from Evergreen Hospice and Maxim Healthcare in Bellevue. Also to all of her many friends, who offered their help and prayers along the way, thank you all.
A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on January 7th, 2011 at the Lake Washington United Methodist Church, located at 7525 NE 132nd in Kirkland, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made in Margaret’s name to her two favorite charities: The Overtones Society, a charitable organization sponsored by Sweet Adelines International. Donations can be can be made directly to:
Sweet Adelines International
The Overtone Society – c/o Anita Larson
PO Box 470168
Tulsa, OK. 74137-0168:
Or, The Overlake Service League of Bellevue (donations can be made directly online at www.overlakeserviceleague.org.)