Margaret Beard

(From Zale Funeral Home)

Margaret Anne Beard (née Moore), beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated teacher, passed away suddenly on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the age of 84 in Voorhees Township, NJ.

Born on July 15, 1940, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to William Hamilton Moore and Effie "Pearl" Moore, both of whom preceded her in death, Margaret lived a life full of love, curiosity, and an unwavering dedication to those she cared about.

Margaret attended Duenweg High School in Missouri and earned her bachelor's degree in education from Missouri Southern State University. For over 40 years, she was a cherished teacher in the East Newton School District in Granby, MO, where she touched the lives of countless students with her creativity, care, and passion for education. Her legacy as an educator is one of lasting impact, leaving fond memories for many who were fortunate enough to be in her classroom.

Margaret was known for her vibrant personality and love of shopping, dancing, and fashion. She had a flair for style and enjoyed sharing her joy for life with others. An animal lover at heart, Margaret was willing to open her home to the occasional abandoned kitten and puppy over the years, offering them a loving place to live.

During her time at Seaton Independent Living in Voorhees Township, NJ, Margaret discovered a revitalized zest for life. She quickly embraced new activities, attending tea parties and literature discussions. She even discovered a surprising love for the song "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd – an exciting departure from some of her long-standing favorite recording artists, like Johnny Mathis, Elvis, Patsy Cline, and The Carpenters. A Pink Floyd t-shirt was found among her possessions after she passed, a testament to her ever-evolving spirit.

She is survived by her four children: Richard Hager of Webb City, MO; Jeffrey Hager of Columbia, MD; KiKi L'Italien of Wenonah, NJ; and Kylee Coffman-Dubin of Bethesda, MD. Margaret was also a proud grandmother of five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who will miss her presence and penchant for giving unique and unusual gifts around the holidays.

A short memorial service will be held at Seaton Voorhees on September 9th at 4:00 pm ET, followed by a gathering of family and friends at the home of Brian and KiKi L'Italien in Wenonah, NJ, at 7:00 pm. Well-wishers are encouraged to wear something with sparkles in honor of her spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local animal shelter in Margaret's name, reflecting her lifelong love and care for animals.