Magdalene Veronica Stafford

Magdalene Veronica Stafford (92) of Cicero, IL entered eternal rest with the Lord on Sunday, November 17th 2024 at 11:36 am.Magdalene “Maggie” was born on October 24th, 1932 in Ilasco, Missouri, near the town of Hannibal, to the late Bela Albert Nemes and Mary A Borsos Nemes. She was beautifully tiny yet unbelievably mighty, loved and cherished by all who knew her. Maggie was the second youngest of eleven children. She was loving, hard working, and loved sharing her many beautiful stories of her childhood years with those around her. She truly loved and cherished her memories of growing up with her siblings in Missouri and being with her parents. She attended Ilasco grade school and McCooey High School, graduating with the honor of being her Class Valedictorian and May Queen. After High School Maggie moved to Illinois to live with her eldest sister Rose and begin a new chapter in Chicago. Maggie had a beautiful singing voice throughout her life and also studied opera. For many years she sang for weddings and concerts, including performing at the Chicago opera house. She was also employed as an Administrative Assistant at Cinch Connectors in Chicago where her dictation, stenography, and typing skills were unrivaled. While working there she met the love of her life, Design Engineer George who she married, and they remained beautifully inseparable soul mates for over 65 years. Together they made their home and raised their son (Jim) and daughter (Phyllis) in Cicero, Il. Maggie enjoyed every moment of being a wife and mother. It was her true happiness. She loved being very active in her children’s lives. She was a grade school room mom and member of the school PTA. She loved to explore and travel with her family - from adventures visiting different states to annual summer visits spending time with her family at her childhood home in Missouri. Maggie lived for her family and friends, and loved enjoying and spending time with them. 

Maggie was a beautiful and natural caregiver to her family and to any one who needed it. Her greatest joy was to take care of those she loved. She never turned down an opportunity to help even if it meant her being without. Always thinking of others before herself Maggie truly lived for her husband, children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Doing things with them gave her so much happiness. She was the most amazing cook and baker, and she loved to entertain and to share her talents with family and friends. One of Maggie’s greatest passions was reading. She had an incredible library of books in her home and loved sharing and giving out favorite reads for others to enjoy. Maggie was a true Chicago sports fan most especially dedicated to the Chicago White Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks. When not helping others, Maggie enjoyed being a part of the Cicero Seniors group attending many events and outings with her husband and friends. Maggie lived and instilled in her family a strong Catholic faith to God throughout her life. Her beautiful heart and her love and guidance will be forever cherished by her family and she will be missed so deeply. Maggie always thought of and put others first never asking for anything in return. She enjoyed each day to its fullest and adored her family and friends more than anything. She was a true role model and her strength, love and guidance will be so truly missed. Maggie made each moment of life so special. Her beautiful heart will be forever treasured, cherished always. Maggie will be greatly missed by her family, including her husband George Stafford, son James Stafford, daughter Phyllis Lies (Thomas), grandchildren Julia Kaupie (Jaime) and Victoria Lies (Patrick), great-grandchildren Gia and soon to be baby Lucas, many nieces and nephews, brother-in-law Robert Stafford (Patsi) and lifelong friend Noreen Fagan.

Maggie was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers Jim, Bill, Charles and Joe (Shirley), six sisters (Rose, Anna, Mary, Emerence, Helen Malaga (Steve), Caroline Janes (Jerry), and nephew Mike Malaga. In memory of Maggie and in lieu of flowers, please spend quality time your family. We know for sure that mom would have loved that. A private mass and graveside service will be held for immediate family.