Margaret Mary “Mugs” Thibert

She was born on June 1, 1935, to Paul and Anna (Meyers) Harvath in Niagara, Wis.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Terrill Thibert, who was her best friend and soulmate of 62 years. Margaret and Terry raised nine children in a loving home on Park Street in Niagara, Wis.

Margaret is survived by her nine children, Suzanne Thibert, Sandra Phillips, JoAnn (Larry) Poncino, Patrick (Colleen) Thibert, Diane Thibert, Ann Thibert, Terrill (Lynette) Thibert, Renee (Jon) Volpei, and Mary Kaye (Larry Bovee) Thibert, and her 12 grandchildren, Jacob Phillips, Abraham Phillips, Annette Rolain, Matthew Phillips, Brian (Kylie) Volpei, Clair (Danny Pruett) Phillips, Stephen Volpei, Adam Volpei, Kathleen Volpei, Max Thibert, Hunter Thibert and Joseph Thibert. She is survived by her brother, William “Pinky” (Judy) Harvath and sister-in-law, Norma (Joe) Harvath; and brother-in-law, Thomas (Donna) Thibert. “Auntie Margaret” loved all her many nieces and nephews and enjoyed playing pinochle and dice with them.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, and six siblings, Paul (Irene) Harvath, Patricia (Bob) Peterson, Gail (Dutch) Trunk, James (Carmen) Harvath, Joseph (Norma) Harvath and Thomas Harvath.

Margaret had many friends from their days in Niagara, Hamilton Lakes and Sun City, Ariz. With her life-long friend Therese (Waitrovich) Sartori, they were the first two “tom boys” to ski off the Niagara ski jump. During one of Margaret and Terry’s many golf trips with friends, she was extremely proud of her hole-in-one, that was witnessed by long-time family friend Monsignor Carl Steiner, as Mom said, “It was divine intervention.” Whether it be a game of cards, shaking dice or a round of golf, Margaret loved her many close friendships including “calling to the Loons” on Lake Louise.

With nine children and many of their friends at the dinner table, Margaret loved to cook, there was always room for another person to share grace and dinner. When her grandchildren arrived to visit, she always had spaghetti, porchetta and homemade peanut butter cookies waiting for them. Mom loved kids, when all nine of her children were of school age, she found time to be a school bus driver for the Niagara School District. For many years, mom and dad ran the Niagara Ice rink, with dad sharpening skates and mom serving hot chocolate to the music of Neil Diamond.

Mom was the prototypical Wisconsin sports fan. When spring came, it was “The Masters” Golf and listening to Bob Uecker announce Brewer games. Fall meant, the Green Bay Packers and being grateful to have been a Packer season ticket holder. She attended Packer Super Bowls and Badger Rose Bowls with Terry and family.

She enjoyed her kids and grandchildren’s sporting events and extracurricular activities; seamlessly managing her time to never miss an event.

As her youngest grandchild said, “Gramma was easy to love and hard to let go.”

There will be a celebration of life Mass on Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Niagara, Wis. with Rev. Fr. Michael Lightner officiating.

Margaret will be laid to rest next to her husband (Terrill Thibert) at the Niagara Cemetery immediately following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a memorial with the Niagara School District, please feel free to make your donation in Margaret’s name.