Margueritte Pinnick

Margueritte Pinnick died peacefully at beautiful Bridge Haven care center in Lawrence, Kansas on July 26, 2023 at the ripe age of 96 years old. Margueritte was born on July 8, 1927 to Nolan and Mary Walters in Lincoln, Kansas. She had especially fond memories of her childhood, often sharing stories of helping her father with outdoor chores on the farm in Lincoln, spending time with her wonderful siblings, and her family gathering around the table to enjoy her mother Mary’s fried chicken and other home-cooking.

After high school, Margueritte enjoyed working for a short time at Montgomery Ward’s in Salina, but her favorite job was serving as an assistant to the Superintendent of Schools in Lincoln. Fittingly, Margueritte married the love of her life, John Norman Pinnick, on April Fool’s Day. They went on to have two beautiful children, Timothy and Melissa. She and John Norman lived in many other small towns throughout Kansas, including Lucas, Anthony, and Desoto, as well as spending a short time in Berea, Kentucky, before eventually settling in Eudora, Kansas, where she lived for the last 50+ years of her life.

Margueritte’s greatest gift that she cherished most was family. She had an abundant love for her parents, her siblings and their families, her nieces and nephews, her own children and their families and children. Her eyes would light up when any visitor would stop by her little white house on Birch Street. Her home was a place where everyone was welcome, and you better come hungry because she would insist on feeding you! She was known for her potato salad, but she had a special gift for baking amazing desserts, like her coconut cream pie.

Margueritte is reunited with her loving husband John Norman (whom she adored), her daughter Melissa, and her siblings, Kathleen Walters, Marge Holl, Marniece Sheets, and Richard Walters. Her spirit is carried on by her son Timothy Pinnick, Lawrence, Kansas, granddaughter Kelsey and her husband Caleb Brattrud, Kansas City, Missouri, grandson Clint Pinnick, Lawrence, Kansas, son-in-law Chuck Lynn and his wife Pat, Lawrence, Kansas, granddaughter Kelly and her husband Aaron Stohs, Louisburg, Kansas, granddaughter Kate and her husband Jared Konie, Lawrence, Kansas, and great-grandchildren Addy, Matt, Laney, Rickey, Kelly Ann, and Clayton, who cherished their frequent visits with “Grandma Pic Pic” and will miss her more than words can say.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Brian Winslow, who permed her hair for more than 35 years, and Margueritte’s personal caregiver Lori Smith who was like an angel as she cared for Margueritte in her home, as well as the caregivers at Bridge Haven, all of whom made Margueritte’s last year more comfortable. A graveside memorial service was held on August 22, 2023 at the Lincoln Cemetery in Lincoln, Kansas.

The family is also hosting a Celebration of Life in her honor on Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge, 530 Wisconsin Street, Lawrence, Kansas.

Margueritte was a loving mother, aunt, and grandmother, and her family and friends will miss her deeply. She was the matriarch who threaded them all together. This goodbye is especially hard because Margueritte was unique in that she was made of nothing other than love. That simple. Only love (and maybe a little Crisco too!). Her love had a way of wrapping itself around others, making us all feel like we were a part of something bigger than ourselves, giving each of us a sense of belonging. She spent many evenings sitting on her back porch, listening to a Royals game on the radio or just enjoying the sounds of the cicadas or the birds chirping. She enjoyed reading the newspaper everyday, but she was not particularly interested in talking politics or debating public events. She did not judge anyone for the color of their skin, who they choose to love, or how they live their life. Anyone who knew Margueritte at any point in her life will recall and remember most her huge smile and warm laugh, which was more of a giggle, really. Simply put, she spent her whole life loving others. She cherished every visit, every letter and card, as well as every phone call, which she would always end the same way, saying “Bye for now.” And so, with the heaviest of hearts, we will lay her to rest beside her sweetheart John Norman, where we will thank her for all the love she left with us and we will celebrate a life truly well-lived. But we will not say goodbye, only “Bye for now.” We miss you so much already.