Margaret Ann Shaffer Atherton

April 29, 1938 - Oct 2, 2024 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Ann (Shaffer) Atherton, who peacefully left us on October 2, 2024. Born on April 29, 1938, Margaret, also affectionately known as “Mrs A,” leaves behind a life filled with vibrant memories, meaningful accomplishments, and a legacy of love and kindness.

The beloved mother of Julie Atherton, she was predeceased by her parents, Opal and Milner "Bud" Shaffer. A celebration of Margaret's life will be held on November 17, 2024 at 12:30 PM at Michael's Restaurant at Shoreline in Mountain View.

After graduating Salutatorian from West Linn High School in West Linn, Oregon in 1956, Margaret pursued her passion for education at Oregon State University, graduating in 1960. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Mountain View, CA, with close friends to start her teaching career. She married in 1962 and in 1966, Margaret welcomed her precious daughter, Julie, into the world.

Margaret was an enthusiastic supporter of all Bay Area sports teams, including the 49ers, Giants, Warriors, and Sharks, as well as her beloved Oregon State Beavers. On sunny summer Sundays you could often find her doing chores around the house while listening to the Giants on the radio. Rare was the Sunday that ABC’s Wide World of Sports wasn’t on.

A lover of soundtracks from musicals, folk and 50’s music, Margaret often played records and danced around the living room with Julie. She also enjoyed watching musical movies and Christmas films. On Sunday nights, she delighted in family dinners and games, from cards and dominoes to board games and jigsaw puzzles. She shared a love for games with her friends, often playing bridge and Bunco.

Margaret was fond of the performing arts, the Nutcracker ballet being her favorite. She made a tradition of attending a performance of the San Francisco Ballet each December with Julie and Barbara and Karen Jones. She enjoyed watching TV shows, including MASH, Murder She Wrote, Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Burnett, and various variety shows. She loved reading, particularly detective novels like the Miss Marple series by Agatha Christie and the Sue Grafton Alphabet books.

Margaret was always on-the-go and her activities were diverse, ranging from managing Julie’s softball and soccer teams and playing golf to reading, knitting and volunteering in her neighborhood. Margaret loved to sing with her church choir and was part of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). After retiring, she enjoyed traveling with her high school friends, exploring new places and making memories.

Over her career, Margaret taught students in grades third, fifth and sixth. She was passionate about teaching and put great effort into preparing her classroom every new school year. Margaret’s students remember her warmth and kindness, noting how she gave extra care and attention to any student who was struggling or in need. She planned many activities for her students, but one of Margaret's most cherished local activities was organizing tree planting and camping trips for her students at Big Basin State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. At the end of the day, she would pull out her ukulele and they would all sing campfire songs.

Margaret is survived by her daughter, Julie, who brought her so much joy. Margaret prioritized giving Julie a caring and nurturing life. From frequent sleepovers with family friend Karen (often beginning with a night at the drive-in!), hosting amazing birthday parties, to creating Julie’s handmade outfits for the Mother Daughter fashion show at Bubb school, their lives were full of fun, laughter, and love. Margaret opened her home to all of Julie’s friends and they were all often seen hanging out there before school activities and social events.

Described as kind, caring, fun, silly and accepting, Margaret believed that humor is good medicine. Anyone that knew her would agree, her dry humor was the best medicine. Above all, her legacy will be one of kindness and generosity. Margaret had the unique gift of making friends wherever she went, never having met a stranger. She will be sorely missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who had the good fortune to know her.

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