Margie Townsell (nee Craig), 86, of New Franklin Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on October 30, 2026. Margie was born in Akron, Ohio on March 23, 1940. She attended St. Mary's High School and the University of Akron to earn her teaching degree in Mathematics. Soon after graduation she met Joe, the love of her life, to whom she was married for 63 years. Margie was preceded in death by her father Raymond Craig and mother Frances, brothers Raymond (Frances), George (Jeanne), Robert (Jackie), Bill, and brother-in-law Bob Coolman. In addition to Joe, she is survived by her two daughters Sharon (Chad Ruddle), and Mary (Colm Duffy), two sisters Mary Ellen Coolman and Sr. Evelyn Craig IHM, and two granddaughters Clare and Ella Duffy. At the University of Akron, Margie was a proud member of the Theta Phi Alpha sorority. While dating and early in their marriage, she enjoyed square dancing and participating in Akron Sports Car Club speed events with Joe. They were members of St Francis de Sales parish in Akron for over 50 years and volunteered at the funeral dinners for many years. She and Joe also organized an indoor tennis league where they played with many of their friends. Margie cherished vacations with Joe, whether in a camper or on a cruise ship, and they often included their daughters and extended family on these memorable trips.

Margie's passion in life was teaching. Beyond algebra and geometry, she also taught computer science, English, and even Art classes for a short time to share her creative side. For a total of 30 years, she worked in various school systems in Akron, including St. Mary's, Manchester, Hoban, and Buchtel. After retirement, Margie continued to tutor students with patience and care, sitting in the sunshine at the dining room table of their home.

She cherished playing Bridge and spending time with lifelong friends in her Bridge club. In retirement, she was an avid member of the Twinbrooks Garden Club, serving as secretary, and participating in annual fundraiser sales of hundreds of plants. Margie and Joe also enjoyed exercise classes at the Barberton YMCA, riding bicycles, playing pickleball, and nurturing the flowers and vegetables at their home they built in 1965, and loved for their entire marriage. All this activity helped them burn off calories from their almost daily Taco Bell lunches in Barberton. Mom, you found joy in nature and little things, showed us what it means to love a soulmate completely, and lived a beautiful life. We will miss you until we meet again.

Memorial Mass 11:00am Friday November 6, 2026 St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 4019 Manchester Road, Akron, OH 44319

For those unable to attend in person, visit www.stfparish.com

Celebration of Life

12:00 noon Friday

November 6, 2026

lunch gathering, all friends & family welcome, generously provided by St. Vincent de Paul Society