Merchant, Margaret 'Maggie' 69 03/04/1940 01/23/2010 Maggie Merchant of Beaverton passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by friends and family. She bravely fought cancer for two years. She is survived by her children, Laura Coon, Michael Merchant and Lisa Hoefer; grandchildren, Taylor and Payton Coon and Ava and Finn Hoefer; beloved sons-in-law, Alan "Chip" Hoefer and Edward Coon; twin brother, Terry; and older brother, John Little.
Maggie lived in the Portland area most of her life. Born Margaret Ann to Helen and Morris Little, she graduated from Washington High School in 1957, where she met her future husband, Tom Merchant. She attended Oregon State College and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She married Tom in 1962 and they divorced in 1987.
Maggie's professional career included administrative positions at Chrysler, Valley Community Presbyterian Church, Lifetouch Studios, Trinity Broadcast Network, Dr. Bell and Portland Healing Rooms, to name a few. She spent many years as a homemaker raising her family. She also volunteered her time working for ARMS (Abuse Recovery Ministry and Services). Maggie was instrumental setting up Succat Hallel, a place of worship in Jerusalem where people from all over the world come to pray for the peace of Israel 24/7.
Maggie enjoyed living in Jerusalem on and off for eight years and made many friends in Israel. She will be remembered as a gifted artist, creating beautiful hand-knit pieces for her friends and family. She was an avid reader and enjoyed learning about prophecy and healing. But it was her outgoing personality and her love of the Lord that will be most remembered. She will be dearly missed.
A celebration of Maggie's life will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, in Calvary Temple Assembly of God. A reception will follow at the Multnomah Athletic Club. Remembrances may be made to ARMS, Calvary Temple or Succat Hallel -www.jerusalempraise.com