Margaret Sechler had a extraordinary desire to show care and compassion for people in need, and she dedicated her life to doing so.
During her presidency in the Order of the Eastern Star, Mrs. Sechler’s mission was to develop programs to nurture and give dignity to the elderly in nursing homes. She volunteered for many years in the gift shop of Joan Glancy Memorial Hospital in Duluth, and was known for collecting clothing and other necessities for battered women.
“If there was a ministry helping someone, she was involved and if there wasn't one, she created it,” said her daughter-in-law, Mary Sechler of Johns Creek.
Margaret Bradford Sechler of Duluth died Monday from complications associated with heart and kidney illnesses. She was 89. A funeral service will be at noon Saturday at Duluth First United Methodist Church. Bill Head Funeral Homes and Crematory, Duluth Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
The eighth of nine children, Mrs. Sechler was born March 27, 1923 to John Asbury Bradford and Mollie N. Barnet. She was born and raised in Atlanta's Kirkwood neighborhood, and married Raymond Gordon Sechler in 1941. Mr. Sechler died in 1995. They were married for 54 years.
Mrs. Sechler loved people. She had a reputation for being a social butterfly, and it was her priority to make people feel welcome.
“If you didn’t know her or you were new to a gathering, before the end of the event she would have embraced you, introduced you to everyone, and called on you the next day,” Mary Sechler said.
Just five months after moving to Parc at Duluth, Gwinnett Senior Living, she had met everyone, joined all of the activities and became active in the community's social events. Mrs. Sechler had a strong love for God and the church.
“She was an angel in our midst,” said longtime friend Dorothy Rainey of Duluth, who met Mrs. Sechler in 1984 while attending her adult Sunday school class at Duluth First United Methodist Church. “She was everything to everybody,” she said.
Mrs. Sechler immersed herself in numerous ministries and was well-respected within the church and her community.
"They listened to Margaret even if she wasn’t on the board," Mrs. Rainey said. “She was in no way bossy, but she got things done.”
In addition to church activities, the two women volunteered for many years together at Joan Glancy. Each week, they arranged and delivered flowers to patients who didn't have family to comfort and uplift them. She led the volunteer group’s fundraising efforts. Those who knew her felt she would leave this world making it a better place for someone in need.
“Joan Glancy was a very small hospital, and it was important to her to make it a shining star,” Mrs. Rainey said.
Even while dealing with serious health problems, she was determined to continue her philanthropic work. When her illness caused her to stop driving, she didn't give up.
“She was tenacious,” said her daughter-in-law. “She was always in charge, helping someone else, but there wasn't a pretentious bone in her body.”
In addition to her daughter-in-law, survivors include her son, Ray Sechler of Johns Creek; sister, Juanita Bradford of Duluth; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
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