Margaret Leniger, 87

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Margaret Leniger. She passed peacefully in her home July 2, 2023, at 87 years old. She was the youngest of four girls born to James Allen Morris and Ruth Alma (Schoonover) Morris on Jan. 21, 1936, in Sagle, Idaho. Margaret was raised in Sandpoint, Idaho, and attended Sandpoint High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, Edwin Vernon Leniger. She graduated in 1954. She was married in San Francisco to Edwin Vernon Leniger on June 6, 1954. Margaret was active in choir throughout her schooling and was offered a full college scholarship to attend Oberlin Music Conservatory to study opera upon her graduation, but she opted instead to get married and pursue a career in nursing. Margaret "Marge" and Edwin "Vern" shared 69 beautiful years together until his passing earlier this year, Jan. 12, 2023. Margaret had a long and fulfilling life. She worked in San Diego as a labor and delivery nurse while waiting for Vern to return home from his naval service in Korea. They moved to Portland, Ore., where she attended night classes at Western Business School to study computer engineering. Marge was hired at the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, where she worked as a computer operator and was eventually promoted to computer programmer, a position she held for over 30 years. She was the first woman in her field to be hired as a computer programmer at the Oregon Liquor Commission, was instrumental in establishing equal rights and equal pay for women in her department, and was immensely proud of her accomplishments at the OLCC.

Marge and Vern bought five acres of land in Beavercreek, Ore., in 1967, and later another adjoining ten acres. They built their home and established a farm, and greatly enjoyed life on the farm, where they raised their children, grew a variety of crops, and raised an assortment of animals. Marge was an avid gardener and spent countless hours planning and landscaping her yard, which brought her great joy through the years. She loved to sew, she loved bird watching, and she really loved to tell stories. Marge and Vern enjoyed their retirement together by traveling, playing golf, and spending time in Sagle, Idaho, where they renovated the old family homestead. They loved visiting with old friends and attending Sandpoint High School class reunions.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Vernon Leniger, and sisters Grace Carter and Hazel Shattuck.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Buss of Springfield, Mass.; and her children and their spouses, Vanessa and Loren Boeckman, Edwin Jr. and Joy Leniger, and Joyce and Jeffrey Hurlbutt; along with her seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was a loving, caring, and spirited individual who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or Meals on Wheels Clackamas County.