“

Marge fulfilled her dream of pursuing a career in nursing when she became the first person in her family to go to college.

Margaret “Marge” L. Wilson passed away peacefully at Oak Village Assisted Living in Orange City, Florida, on Saturday, September 12, 2026. She spent her final months in hospice care through Advent Health after a valiant battle with cancer for the last year.

Marge was the daughter of John F. Shaffner and Avis (Connor) Shaffner Smithburg. They proceeded her in death.

On August 27, 1965, she married Gilbert C. Wilson. They lived in the Quad Cities, Illinois area for 31 years, then retired to Florida in 1996. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage before Gil’s passing on February 1, 2021.

In addition to her parents and husband, Marge was preceded in death by brothers Fred Shaffner, Raymond Smithburg, Ronnie Smithburg, and sister Marie Mendenhall. She is survived by daughters Rosalie Lowery and Cynthia Lodge; special stepdaughter Beverly Kelley; sisters-in-law Marilyn Smithburg and Helen Purcell; and numerous extended family and stepfamily members.

“

She dedicated the next 40 years of her career to the specialty of providing loving care to those at the end of their lives.

Marge fulfilled her dream of pursuing a career in nursing when she became the first person in her family to go to college. She graduated with her Registered Professional Nursing degree in June of 1971 from Blackhawk College in Moline, Illinois. She began her work as a floor nurse in various departments. When hospice nursing was in its formative years in the late 1970’s, Marge was on the ground floor of providing end-of-life care. She dedicated the next 40 years of her career to the specialty of providing loving care to those at the end of their lives. She finally retired in her late 70s, as she felt the medical focus had shifted too much to computer screens and less on patient care.

Marge was also an avid bowler. She and Gil were high-average league bowlers throughout their marriage, racking up numerous awards and recognition. Marge was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame twice; first, in Illinois in 1991, and again, in Florida in 2024. She was a beloved member of the Early Risers Tuesday morning and Ladies Young at Heart Wednesday morning leagues, also serving as secretary for both leagues for several years. Marge considered her bowling teammates to be her second family, and she loved every one of them.

Services will be private. Marge will be buried with family in Illinois.

Memorials may be made a charity of the donor’s choice.