Margaret "Marge" Hildebrandt, age 97 of Farmington Hills, passed away March 8, 2024.

Marge was born on July 9, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan to Hilda, who immigrated from England to marry American-born, Winfred Harris. Margaret’s life became a struggle early on when her father died from a work-related accident at the Ford Motor plant when she was only three years old. With only one week’s widow’s pay to support her and her only child, Hilda took on several jobs that took her away from the home frequently and so Margaret was sent to live with her grandparents, Maude and Alvin Harris, who owned a print shop in Detroit.

Margaret was a shy, quiet child but grew up to be a very resilient woman. Missing a sense of family and wanting to make it on her own, Marge left high school and moved in with a large family with many children, exchanging household chores and babysitting for rent. She had several jobs during this time, including working as a cashier, a saleswoman and as “Rosey the Riveter” at the Willow Run Plant. She later met her husband, Egon “John” Hildebrandt working at the downtown Crowley’s store. After waiting for him to return home from serving in the army, they were wed on June 10, 1947.  

Marge and John built a life together, bringing up four children. Although Marge spent much time with typical housewife and motherly pursuits of the time, including cub and boy scout den mother duties and PTA events, she always continued to work. Selling women’s jewelry was her forte and over the years she won many awards for selling the most merchandise among her competing stores, even winning a trip to Italy. Among her friends she was known as “stylish Marge” who knew how to throw a party. She loved to dance and hosted card games and parties for work friends and neighbors, alike.

Eventually John and Marge divorced, which put her resiliency to the test. She became the struggling single parent her mother had once been. Continuing to work hard as a saleswoman until her retirement she always remained a loyal friend, continued to dance and had a few romances in her life.

Marge was the loving mother to John and Nancy Hildebrandt, Alan and Kathy Hildebrandt, Roy and Mary Hildebrandt and Karen Hildebrandt. She was grandmother to Andrea, Timothy, Michael, Travis, Sean, Jason, Ian, Elyse and Chelsea. And many more great grandchildren.

Her friends and family will miss her kind, fun and gentle spirit.

Visitation for Margaret will be held Wednesday, March 13th, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. She will be laid to rest in Mt. Hope Memorial Gardens, Livonia.