WEBSTER – Margaret J. A. (Anderson) Heide, 91, died Sunday, May 18, 2025 in Brookside Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center with family at her side. Her husband of 40 years, Edwin D. Heide, died in 1997.
She leaves her daughter, Brenda K. Gabel and her husband Stephen and her beloved grandson Daniel C. Gabel, all of Webster; several nieces and nephews.
She was born at home in the Unionville section of Farmington, CT on August 12, 1933, the youngest of the 6 children of Emil W. and Emma H. (Illausky) Anderson and grew up there before moving to Webster in 1950. She graduated from Bartlett High School in 1951 and then earned an associates degree in Bible studies from Luther College (now Midland Lutheran College) In Nebraska.
Mrs. Heide was a nurse’s aide at the former Oakwood Convalescent Center, now Brookside, for 20 years.
From childhood, she was involved in the Lutheran Church. Her parents managed Lutherwood, a summer camp for Lutheran pastors and their families. She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Oxford, serving on the evangelism committee. She oversaw the card ministry, was part of the Stephen Ministry and attended Bible study sessions.
Margaret loved classical and swing music and completing jigsaw puzzles. She was very fond of church music and especially the choir at Zion.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 AM, on July 12, in Zion Lutheran Church, 70 Main Street, Oxford. A collation will follow at the Oxford United Methodist Church, 465 Main Street. Donations in her name may be made to either the Zion Lutheran Music Fund, 70 Main Street, or to the Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf, 4 Maple Street, both in Oxford, MA 01540. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.