Marguerite Samuel

marguerite samuel

Marguerite Elizabeth (Crary) Samuel, 68, resident of Fargo, ND and Tucson, AZ died Monday, October 1, 2012 in her home surrounded by her family and under the care of her family and Hospice of the Red River Valley where she worked eight years as a Bereavement Counselor. 

Marguerite Samuel was born February 22, 1944 at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, ND to Vincent Sr. and Helen (Curry) Crary.  She grew up in Fargo, attending St. Anthony’s Catholic School and Shanley High School.  She graduated in 1962.  She attended her first year of college at the University of Dallas in Texas, in hopes of finding a rich Texas cowboy.  After no such luck, she returned to NDSU where she met a poor cowboy and her future husband, Clarence Samuel.  Marguerite spent part of her junior year abroad living in Grenoble, France as an exchange student.  She formed a relationship with the French family she lived with, the Legrand’s, that lasted a lifetime.  Several Legrand grandchildren spent summers with her family in Fargo and several of Marguerite’s children spent time in France with her “French family.”  Marguerite graduated from NDSU in 1965 with a degree in English.  She also obtained a major in French from Moorhead State University.  

Marguerite was united in marriage to Clarence Walter Samuel on August 20, 1966 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fargo.  They started their life together in Fargo, living in  student housing at NDSU while Clarence pursued his Electrical Engineering degree and Marguerite taught French and English at North High and Moorhead High.  In 1970 they moved to St. Paul, MN where Clarence attended Veterinary School at the University of Minnesota.  In 1974 they returned to Fargo where Clarence practiced at FM Animal Hospital in Moorhead and Marguerite was a homemaker.  In 1977 Clarence and Marguerite built their present home on sixteen acres south of Fargo.  It was a home that was open to all, including foster children, relatives, and friends.  Marguerite and Clarence always made room if someone needed a warm bed or a hot meal.  Marguerite was a creative cook who fixed some interesting meals over the years.  As kids, we often wondered where the ingredients for some of her dishes came from – only later did we connect the dots and realize she would “clean out the fridge” and use whatever she found for dinner.  Marguerite had a large circle of friends and family and was the glue that held that group together.

In 1988, Marguerite returned to North Dakota State University to pursue a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science.  Her area of study was gerontology.  She graduated in May of 1990 at the age of 46 and began working at Hospice of the Red River Valley as a bereavement coordinator.  In that role she counseled families of individuals who had died in the Hospice program after the death of the individual.  Marguerite spent eight enjoyable years in that position. 

In 2001 Marguerite and Clarence began spending winters in Tucson, Arizona.  They thoroughly enjoyed the time they spent in Arizona and she leaves behind a large circle of friends in Arizona. 

Marguerite is survived by her husband Dr. Clarence Samuel of Fargo, and children: Mathias W. (Jennifer) Samuel of Edina, Minnesota, Elizabeth (Paul) Antonenko of Overland Park, KS, Ann (Travis) Perkins of Sheridan, WY, Luke (Janelle) Samuel of St. Louis, MO, Amanda (Ryan) Aaker of Bozeman, MT and Dr. Walter Samuel of Fargo.  She is also survived by special nephews Dr. Michael (Lisa) Harvey and Josh Boschee, and special niece Brittany Cline, her 16 grandchildren, and 8 brothers and sisters. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Memories of Marguerite may be shared online at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers please send offerings to Fr. Jack Davis, a North Dakotan and former Nativity Parish Priest has served since 1975 in Chimbote, Peru (https://friendsofchimbote.org) or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dear Clarence and family,

    My sympathy and prayers are with you. I was shocked to learn that Marge was ill. I visited with her at our class reunion, and one would never have guessed she had any concerns or cares. She was a woman full of love and joy. She will be missed.

  2. Osage MN
    Jane: I was so sorry to hear of Marguerite’s passing, I remember her for being such a “receiving” person and always smiling when I saw her. So hard to lose someone we love and you are in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.

    Love to you friend…..Dee Dee

  3. Burnsville MN
    Dear Ann (Travis) and Family ~ I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your mother.

    I remember her as a kind and gentle woman…the first person to introduce me to getting massages from Sister Gertude for my headaches…and have been hooked ever since.

    I also remember all the help she provided after my brother was killed…

    Her kindness, goodness and love will forever be remembered.

    My thoughts and prayers go out to you all… and surely she will always be with you in so many ways and every one of your days.

    Regards,

    Leslie

  4. Wibaux MTMy family, brothers Allen, Jerry and Harlan Gasho were sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. We will keep her in our thoughts and prayers and also the family.

  5. FARGO ND
    TO THE LOVING SAMUEL FAMILY,

    MARG, YOU WERE OUR SHANLEY CHEERLEADER. . . YOU HAVE BEEN OUR CHEERLEADER THROUGHT OUT OUR ENTIRE LIVES, WHAT ARE WE TO DO NOW?
    YOU WERE OUR PRAYER WORRIOR, AND OPEN MINDED , FUNNEY. I WONT FORGET YOUR,” MARG GIGGLE.”

    MARG HAD A PROFOUND SPIRITUAL PRESENCE THAT ENLIGHTENED ME.

    SO ALL MY EXPERIENCES WITH MARG I WILL CHERISH. MY LAST WORDS WITH MARG WERE, ” TO NEVER GIVE UP “.
    SHANLEY 62 CLASSMATE AND FAN,

    JUDY JAMIESON

  6. Walter and family,

    Sorry to hear about your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories and remember she is watching over you each and every day.

    Dustin and Erin Schmidt

  7. Fargo ndAnn and all the Samuel clan –
    I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful lady who raised some great children. I have know doubt that she is looking upon you all now with love and pride. God Bless You All. We will put her and your family in our nightly prayers. Ramey

  8. Moorhead Minnesota
    Dear Samuel Family,
    You all have my deepest sympathy. Marg was a woman dedicated and committed to her faith and family. She truly was a good and faithful servant. I pray God’s love will wrap around you and bring you peace. You remain in my heart and prayers. God Bless.

    Patty Neuharth

  9. Brea CADear Samuel’s,
    You all are in my thoughts and prayers in the death of Margie. I remember her well from my days at Nativity. She was a woman of great faith and was active in building and celebrating the Reign of God in so many ways.
    She and Clarence were wonderful parents for their children too. May her legacy of love and faith live on in you and may Margie have eternal peace light and joy with our loving God.
    Fr. Tim Bushy

  10. Fargo ND
    Dr. Samuel I am sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Lori @ Welu Dental Lab

  11. My deepest sympathy to all of Marg’s family and friends. I was moved by reading the story of her life (including the humour), and though I only met her a few times, I remember her as a lovely person. Now I know she was much more. May your memories of her be happy and comfort you.

  12. Fargo ND
    I was a member of one of Marguerite’s Young Widow’s grief group in 1997. Although the reasons for being there were hard, Marguerite’s guidance made a tremendous difference in my life. She was so wise and understanding. Through the group I have met the most wonderful women that will be life long friends. I will forever be thankful for Marguerite’s friendship and leadership!

  13. Fargo ND
    Marguerite was a great example of what a “woman in prayer” looks like. She would frequently join us for adoration at 5 a.m. then go to the chapel for rosary and Mass. She will be a lasting example of a “special prayer warrior” who had names written down to remind her of all those in need of prayer. She will be forever missed! Samuel family — you have my deepest sympathy and prayers. May God bless you all!

  14. Fargo ND
    We have lost a wise, witty, wonderful friend. There will always be a place at our potluck table for Marg.

  15. I first met Marg during freshman orientation at the University of Dallas,September 5,1962.We were classmates in Father O;Malley’s logic class that fall.After Marg left UD,we exchanged Christmas cards in 1963.I continued at the University of Dallas,graduating May 22,1966 with a BA in History and then went to what was then called North Texas State(now UNT in Denton,Texas)and received my MA in August,1968.I then went into the Market Research field,and worked for the same company for 20 years prior to retiring in 2003,at which time I
    did recruiting work at home.When my UD Alumni Directory came last week I was very distressed when I learned that Marg had died,and I checked the details on line. With deepest sympathy to the family.
    Requiescat in Pace, Donald F Nelson


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide