Margaret slipped away peacefully on December 4, 2017 from natural causes. She died as she lived with dignity and privacy. She was born on November 21, 1928, to Joseph E. and Emma (Trabold) Breitenbach; shortly after her family immigrated to the United States from Germany. Margaret was raised with her older brother Joe and spent the majority of her life in New York. Her family moved to Jamaica, Queens, and upon graduation from high school Margaret worked as a secretary for the Railway Express Agency (REA) for more than two decades. In the early 1970’s, Margaret and her parents moved to Tillson, New York where she worked as a medical transcriber for a doctor’s office in Kingston, NY. She was a devoted daughter and remained in the New York City area to care for her parents until their passing, prior to moving to Spokane, WA in 1997.

     Margaret was a kind, quiet, and giving individual who wanted to help every charity that sent her a request. She was a philanthropist with unwavering generosity, sharing the majority of her treasure with many fortunate charities. Margaret was a devout Roman Catholic who lived her faith. She was humble, compassionate, loving and a gentle, kind lady in every way. She was also an avid animal lover. Throughout the years she had many dog companions, giving her a great deal of joy. Margaret played the piano and enjoyed music. We cannot forget that she was an avid sports fan following many teams; she could talk sports with the best of them. She was a blessing to all who knew her – people and animals alike!

     Margaret is pre-deceased by her parents; elder brother, Joseph Breitenbach, Sr.; sister-in-law Julia Breitenbach; and cousin, Sr. Elisabeth Pfeiffer, Holy Spirit Community. She is survived by her nephews, Joseph Breitenbach Jr. (Elaine), Eric Breitenbach (Kathy), Mark Breitenbach (Roslyn), cousins Lillian McNulty (Richard), Edward Breitenbach Jr., and friend Bobbie League.

     We want to extend a thank you to the staff and loving caregivers at Touchmark, on the South Hill, for their constant concern and care of Margaret during the past four years. Family members will hold a grave site service in Rosendale, NY, at St. Peter’s Cemetery, on April 7, 2018. Margaret will be interned by her parents. Margaret, you are loved, may you rest in peace.

     A Memorial Mass will be held at the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, Spokane, WA on Friday, January 26, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.  Remembrances in Margaret’s honor may be made to the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Bur Rd., Spokane, WA 99223 or a charity of your choice.

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