80, born May 10, 1937 in St. Louis, MO to Frank F. Bottini and Coletta Harvey Bottini, died February 10, 2018 in Westminster, CO. She attended Rosati-Kain High School and furthered her education at Maryville College, both in St. Louis, MO. Margaret taught elementary education at several schools in St. Louis and was especially passionate about early childhood education. She helped start a preschool at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in St. Louis and was an early proponent for students with special needs. Margaret advocated for opportunities for girls and women, including her work as a Girl Scout leader, and was fervent about inclusion and respect for all children – a trait she passed down to her children and grandchildren. She loved reading, music, dancing, and old movies, and ensured all her children had musical, artistic, and athletic experiences. Margaret will be remembered as fiercely loyal to her loved ones, a social butterfly who could make a friend of anyone, and a champion for those in need.
She was preceded in death by her parents and younger sister Mary (Terry) Menner. Margaret is survived by her husband Donald Wessling and their six children: Mary (Kurt) Haserodt, John (Katherine) Wessling, Meg (Julian) Lineham, Catherine Wessling (Bryan Kuhn), James Wessling, and Michael Wessling; five grandchildren: Alexandra Haserodt (Thomas Arnold), Jeremy and Benjamin Lineham, and Emily and Audrey Wessling; and siblings Frank (Judy) Bottini, Thomas (Cindy) Bottini, and Gregory Bottini (Teresita Basco-Bottini).
Services: A Mass of Christian Burial was held February 20 at Spirit of Christ Catholic Church, Arvada, CO. A memorial will be held in St. Louis, MO on Monday, March 5, 10-11:30 a.m. at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois, with interment immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials placed/sent in Margaret’s honor to a literacy or education charity, the Special Olympics, St. Anthony’s Heart Fund, or the charity of one’s choice, would be deeply appreciated.