Margaret Machin

MACHIN, Margaret
Kalamazoo, Michigan Margaret L. Machin, 97, died Sunday, August 31, 2008 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Margaret was born May 22, 1911 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Winifred and Victor Lawler, She graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1928, and from Kalamazoo College in 1932. She earned a LLB degree from the University of Detroit School of Law in 1938. In 1935 Margaret married Dr. Harold A. Machin. During World War II, Margaret was employed by Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Paper Co., City of Kalamazoo, Department of Municipal Research, and the W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. Margaret served as the first woman vice-mayor on the Kalamazoo City Commission from 1965-67, and was re-elected to a second term on the commission in 1967-69. In 1966 she was named the Quota Club Woman of the Year. Margaret served as president of: The American Association of University Women, The American Association of University Women Nursery Schools, Inc., Visiting Nurse Association a�" Board of Directors; and Women's Auxiliary to Kalamazoo Association of Medicine. She also served as Secretary of the Women's Auxiliary to Michigan State Medical Society, as a Trustee of Kalamazoo College; and on the boards of Family Service Center, First Methodist Church, The Community Services Council, and the Y.W.C.A. Margaret belonged to the P.E.O Sisterhood, the MMM Investment Club, the Tuesday Book Group and the Weaver's Guild of Kalamazoo. Margaret was always humble about her endeavors and genuinely interested in the welfare of other people. Government and politics were a lifelong interest as well as reading. Friends and family were central to Margaret's life. Surviving are her children, daughter and son-in-law, Katherine M. and Richard J. Howson of Kalamazoo, a son and daughter-in-law, James L. and Laurel E. Macbin of St. Charles, IL; granddaughters, Christine E. Howson of Irvine CA and Beth Ann Howson Boutry and husband Eric F. Boutry of Paris France. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at The Fountains at Bronson Place on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, Kalamazoo Community Foundation, The American Printing for the Blind, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. 343-1508