Margaret Kerruish

Margaret Jane Kerruish, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010 at the Queen of the Valley Hospital. 

Margaret was born in Napa on Nov. 28, 1917, to Robert Kneal Kerruish and Jane Hennery Fullerton Kerruish. Her father emigrated from the Isle of Man, a small island in the Irish Sea, and her mother was born in San Francisco. She was predeceased by her brother, Tom.

She was raised on the family ranch on Terrace Avenue, and later relocated to the city of Napa. During her working career, she was a bookkeeper for over 20 years for Poultry Producers (Nulaid Eggs) and a property manager for the Veterans Home of California at Yountville for almost 20 years.

Margaret took pride in being a 71-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, in which she held several offices including Worthy Matron, and a 56-year member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was also very proud of her Manx heritage, and enjoyed visiting with others with ties to the Isle of Man.

Margaret loved life and being with friends, especially at family events. She had an incredible sense of humor and a sharp wit, and her family much enjoyed her company. Incidentally, she was a family historian, the keeper of the oral history. Many hours were spent listening to her recounting candid, often humorous, stories of family members who had already passed away, enabling the second, third and fourth generations to make a connection with their ancestry.

And another thing, Margaret maintained an interest in Republican politics and had definite feelings about her causes. All of us respected those true and deeply held convictions. Margaret’s independent spirit served her well during her life and allowed her to live independently until shortly before her passing.

She is survived by numerous relatives in Napa and throughout California. The family wishes to recognize and thank Margaret’s many long-term friends for enriching her life.

For those wishing to make donations, the family suggests either to the Order of the Eastern Star, C/O Pat Caceres, 2537 Rigdon Ct., Napa, CA 94558, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30, at Treadway & Wigger Funeral Chapel, 623 Coombs St. in Napa. Condolences to the family may be sent to www.treadwayandwiggerfuneralchapel.com.