Obituary of Margaret H. Ardin

Margaret Ardin, family matriarch, died Saturday May 12th at the age of 94 in her home with her family. Margaret, a life long resident of Chester, loved life, her family, her friends and her town. Among her many activities, Margaret was a life member of The Congregational Church, the Chester 50 Plus Club and The Chester Historical Society. She was also a member of the Chester Fire Company's Ladies Auxiliary and the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Association. Margaret's appointment as Chester's postmaster in 1952 was one of President Harry Truman's last. She enjoyed her retirement years traveling with friends. Her many destinations included driving across the United States, touring Alaska, Italy and Ireland with her daughter and regular trips to Atlantic City. Her health and strength were diminished as a result of pulmonary fibrosis. While doctors were amazed by how many years she was able to live with the disease her final decline in health was rapid. She was pre-deceased by her husband Emile (Frenchie) Ardin, her brothers Jack and Henry Hoffman and a sister Irene Zurcher. Her honest, no nonsense approach to life, learned by her daughter, Gail Knight, granddaughter, Erin Knight, Erin's husband Richard Baniewicz, Margaret's great grandchildren Callan and Ardin Baniewicz, will not be forgotten. A memorial service will be held at noon, Saturday May 19, at the First Congregational Church of Chester. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Congregational Church of Chester, 30 Hillside Road Chester, NJ or Chester Volunteer First Aid Squad, PO box 337, Chester NJ 07930. Arrangements by the Bailey Funeral Home of Mendham. www.baileyfuneralhomes.com