Margaret Hughes Duntley

life story

Precious Daughter & Granddaughter, Beloved Wife, Loving Mother & Grandmother, Favorite Teacher, Friend to All, Humble Servant

A blessing to all who knew her.

Margaret passed peacefully on October 5, 2024, surrounded by family & friends in her Plymouth, MN home of 63 years.

She was a precious daughter, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother & great-grandmother, a much-loved teacher, and a dear friend to many. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years, John M. Duntley, Sr., parents Margaret & Raymond Hughes and grandson, Jesse Duntley. She is survived by her three sons, Tom (Susan) of Plymouth MN, David of Seattle, WA, John (Jodie) of Hudson, WI, granddaughter Janey Scrivner (Dan) of Cottage Grove, MN and great-granddaughters Charlotte and Avery.

Margaret was born in Council Bluffs, IA, raised in Omaha, NE. attended Carleton College & the U of M, earning a BA in Journalism and a BS & MS in education.

Margaret was an only child blessed with very loving parents. Her parents’ families had 12 brothers & sisters between them, so her love of family developed at an early age. With no siblings, her numerous cousins were like brothers and sisters, holding a very special place in her heart as did her aunts, uncles and grandparents. Despite a hearing impairment in her left ear, she excelled in school and was never short of friends. She was joyful, inquisitive, creative, energetic, and guided by a strong moral character that kept her compass pointed towards goodness, forgiveness, peace and happiness throughout her life.

Her favorite job was full-time Mom, but when her youngest was headed to jr. high, she realized that job was changing. She felt a calling to teach, went back to the U of M at age 43 to earn her education degree, and began teaching in the Wayzata School District in 1970.

She so enjoyed her students, colleagues, and the art of teaching that, when she reluctantly retired 24 years later, she often said that teaching never felt like work.

The payoff to retiring was spending the next 24 years with her beloved John enjoying travel, volunteering, fellowship at St. David’s, spending time with friends & family, and winters in Green Valley, AZ. Most of all, Margaret & John loved experiencing life together, living day-by-day with shared interests, happiness, and love.

Following John's death in 2019, Margaret remained in Minnesota, living in her home with son Tom and daughter-in-law Susan as her care providers. Despite numerous challenges in her last years, her strength, joy and faith always overcame the obstacles, and her smile was uplifting to her last days.

A celebration of life will be held at St. David's Episcopal Church, 1300 St. David's Road, Minnetonka, MN on Saturday, Nov. 16th at 11:00 AM. Visitation at 10:00 AM - Lunch to follow the service.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

November 16, 2024

St David's Episcopal Church 13000 St Davids Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55305, USA

Visitation at 10:00 AM - Lunch to follow the service.