Margaret Relf

Margaret Ann "Marge" Darrington Relf

Marge passed peacefully on November 23, 2023 with family at her side. She was born on May 10, 1927 to Margaret and Thomas Darrington. She grew up in Stillwater, MN with her two older sisters - Doris and Kay. At 16 years old, Marge graduated valedictorian of her high school class. She attended the University of Minnesota where she graduated with a double major in education and social work. Marge was only 20 years old when she accepted her first teaching job in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The following summer she worked in Yellowstone National Park where she had many adventures and made wonderful memories. The fall brought her back to Stillwater, MN where she worked in her father's dental office. The following year she taught school in Franklin, MN and then accepted a job with Catholic Charities in St. Paul, MN. Marge's next job in the fall of 1952 would change her life forever. She was an outreach social worker for the St. Paul school district and worked at the courthouse with Charlotte Relf Howe. Marge mentioned she was going to a Young Republican's meeting after work and Charlotte said her brother, John Relf, was running the meeting and could give her a ride home. That was the beginning of a 55+ year love affair. John and Marge got engaged on Valentine's Day and married on June 27th, 1953. They both found the love of their life! The next year they built their dream home in Pine Tree Hills. That's where they raised their 3 daughters. Both Marge and John had a very strong faith and were active members at St. Jude's of the Lake Catholic Church. Marge finished her career as an outreach social worker for seniors in White Bear Lake. After retirement, Marge and John traveled the world including England, Australia and Israel. When John passed on 11/4/2008, Marge lived in her home with her golden retriever Sam for another 9+ years. The winter after her 90th birthday, Marge moved into St. Andrew's Village assisted living with her kitty K.C. In November 2020, Marge moved up to Duluth, MN to live closer to her daughter Susan. She spent the rest of her years at Ecumen memory care on the shores of Lake Superior. She is survived by her daughters: Cathy Relf, Susan Relf, and Marnie Prentice as well as her grandchildren Gretchen and David Krueger, Lauren Prentice and Megan Shaver. Marge's celebration of life service will be held at St. Jude's Catholic Church, 700 Mahtomedi Ave, Mahtomedi, MN 55115, on December 4, 2023 at 10 AM. Guests are welcome to arrive 30 minutes prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.