Margherita “Margie” Del Core Harris, 76, of Tomah and formerly of Sparta passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2011.
One of eight children, she was born June 6, 1935, in Chicago to Michael and Angelica (Giangrande) Del Core, who together immigrated to the United States from Italy in the late 1920s. In 1952, Margie married Richard L. Harris; they divorced in 1982.
Margie was confirmed in the Christian faith on Feb. 9, 1986, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sparta, where she remained a faithful member for many years. Her confirmation verse: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose” — Romans 8:28.
During her working years, Margie was an energetic and outgoing waitress who enjoyed working with the public. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, reading romance novels, listening to music, playing cards and games, working on crossword puzzles and watching television. Not only was Margie a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, but also she was a very selfless, caring and giving person to all who knew her. Although she suffered many hardships during her lifetime, Margie had the strength and determination to always keep a positive outlook on life.
Margie is survived by many relatives who loved her dearly and will truly miss her.
• Four children: Tina Johnson of Duncanville, Texas, Linda (Mark) Pingel of Tomah, Charles (Rebecca) Harris of Temecula, Calif., and Rosie (Ron) Pingel of Wilton
• Nine grandchildren: Tina’s children, Jennifer (David) Hardaman of Newport News, Va., and Frank (Gloria) Johnson III of Wilson, N.C.; Linda and Mark’s children, Daniel (Louann) Pingel of Menomonee Falls, Wis., Sarah (Gregory) Johnson of Kentwood, Mich., and Rebecca Pingel of Wauwatosa, Wis.; Charles and Rebecca’s daughter, Angel (Rob) Barnes of Carlsbad, Calif.; and Rosie and Ron’s children, Tuesday Pingel (Ty Eness) of Ontario, Cody Pingel and Jesse Pingel of Wilton
• Seven great-grandchildren: Stephanie (Keyante) Beatty, Naomi Johnson and Dakota Hardaman, children of Jennifer; Toby Eness, son of Tuesday and Ty; Amalie Johnson, daughter of Sarah and Gregory; Frank Johnson IV, son of Frank and Gloria; and Adriana Barnes, daughter of Angel and Rob
• Two great-great-grandchildren: Winston Anderson Jr., son of Naomi; and Mariyah Beatty, daughter of Stephanie
Also missing Margie are her many friends and “family” at Sunset Ridge Estates, Tomah Health Care Center and Western Wisconsin Cares.
Margie was preceded in death by her parents and three children, infant daughter Christine Ann and infant twins Timothy Richard and Tammy Rose.
Margie’s strong faith has allowed her, after her passing, to rise up from her wheelchair and continue her “walk” with the Lord.
Private family services were at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home in Tomah.
Memorials can be sent to Hospice Touch of Tomah, a non-profit organization that provides services to the terminally ill and their families. If you wish to donate to this program, call 374-0250, email touch@tomahhospital.org, or mail Hospice Touch, 321 Butts Ave., Tomah, WI 54660.
