Obituary of Margaret B. Methner

Margaret B. Methner, devoted mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away from natural causes on June 23rd in Denver. Margaret (Marga) was born in Kassel, Germany in 1925. Marga and her family experienced the changing tides of German life as the Nazis came into power, with severe restrictions and constant danger. For a period of time, Marga attended school under the protection of the Ursuline nuns while her brother attended Jewish day school. She and her immediate family eventually fled Nazi Germany to the United States in 1938, with sponsorship by relatives who were living in Cleveland, Ohio. As teenagers, Marga and her brother Alfred entered school knowing no English and had to quickly acclimate to life in the United States. Life was difficult and money and food were daily struggles. After high school she enrolled in nursing school and earned a practical nurse license and moved from Cleveland to New York. In order to shield herself from further anti-Semitism, she changed her birth name from Marga to Margaret. After time in New York, Philadelphia, a marriage, birth of her son Steven in 1947, a move back to Cleveland and a divorce, she and her family made their way to Denver in 1949. Margaret found a job in Denver working in a doctor’s office and joined the Jewish singles club at the JCC. There she met Lothar “Lou” Methner (of blessed memory), the love of her life. They were married in 1957 and had daughter Joanne in 1962. Margaret and Lou were married for 44 years until his death in 2001. Family time was spent traveling and participating in synagogue activities. Margaret and Lou were one of the early members of Congregation Rodef Shalom. Margaret enjoyed the synagogue sisterhood group and ran the Rodef Shalom gift shop and seniors’ group for many years. She was a lifetime member of Hadassah and participated in many of their activities. Margaret also ran the TOPS group at the Cook Park Recreation Center for several years, helping others in their journey to health. Her pride and joy were her children and grandchildren and she loved to “kvell” about their many accomplishments, large and small. She was grateful to have lived to 95, as she was able to see and participate in weddings, mitzvahs, and much more. Margaret will be remembered for her quick wit, generosity, and her devotion to her family. Margaret is survived by her children Drs. Steven (Damaris) Methner and Joanne (Dr. Todd) Lander, grandchildren Brian (Jen Sommer) Methner, Alisa (Preston) Bair, Micayla Lander, and Dylan Lander, nieces Pamela (Dan) Roman, Linda Meyer, nephews Sid Methner and Bruce Methner. Contributions may be sent to Congregation Rodef Shalom or Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Private graveside, Thursday, 10:00am. A public livestream of the funeral will be available on ZOOM. Topic: Margaret Methner Funeral Service Time: Jun 25, 2020 10:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87904537708?pwd=Z1Q2SnZ1S1pOK05jUTB3QlN2bGZMZz09 Meeting ID: 879 0453 7708 Password: 955744 One tap mobile +16699006833,,87904537708#,,,,0#,,955744# US (San Jose) +12532158782,,87904537708#,,,,0#,,955744# US (Tacoma) Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 879 0453 7708 Password: 955744 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdqWyQ4khZ