Obituary of Margaret Mary Fox Otis

Margaret Mary Fox Otis, age 87, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Alden Estates of Countryside in Jefferson, Wisconsin having fought a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Margaret (Peggy) was born in Madison, Wisconsin on November 29, 1927, the daughter of Neill Fox and Mary (Conklin) Fox. On January 31, 1949, Margaret married Orland J. Otis. Orland preceded her in death in May of 1993. Margaret like to be called Peggy. She was elegant and stylish with an infectious smile. Being from an Irish background, she loved Irish folklore and Irish dancing. She was known for being an avid lover of all music. As a young woman she danced with Orland into the late night to live bands at the UW of Madison. She had a beautiful soprano voice and you often found her singing and whistling while she worked. She loved traveling with Orland to the East Coast, especially the shorelines of Maine. Her favorite hobby was antiquing and refinishing the pieces she bought. She admired the artwork of many artists. As a young, wife, her hands were always busy making wonderful holiday meals, knitting, sewing, and decorating her home. After her children had grown, she worked at the Fireside Restaurant office and volunteered at the Hoard Historical Museum in Fort Atkinson. She enjoyed working under the guidance of Hannah Swart and friend Mary Hoard. Two of her favorite places to meet friends for a cup of coffee were the Pharmacy (The Little Tea Room) and Kemmeter's Grocery Store. Peggy is survived by her children: Linda (Doug) Zernicke, Fort Atkinson, WI and Kimberly (Owen) Jones, Oshkosh, WI, Grandchildren: Geoffrey (Michele) Zernicke, Windermere, FL, Jamie Zernicke, Jacksonville, FL, Alisa Zernicke, Fort Atkinson, WI, Megan Jones, Green Bay, WI, and Daniel Jones, Oshkosh, WI and Two Great-grandchildren: Landyn Zernicke Griesbach, Fort Atkinson, WI and Faith Addison Zernicke, Windermere, FL.. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Orland, a son James Neill Otis, a grandson: Joshua James Otis, and sister Mary Anna Welty. Peggy's family would like to thank Sienna Crest, Alden Estates, Fort Health Care, Rainbow Hospice, and Dr. Rachel Quinn for their loving care of our Mother. A special thank you to Pauline and Norman Godfrey for being loving friends to Mother for 59 years. There will be no Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 620 South 76th Street Suite 160, Milwaukee, WI 53214 or the the Humane Society of Jefferson, Wisconsin "Mom, our hearts will always love and miss you." "I shall grow old, but never lose life's zest, because the road's last turn will be the best. "�������� Henry Van Dyke The Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson, WI is assisting the family.