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Monday, September 1, 2008
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She keeps busy with hands EVERYDAY PEOPLE Staff Writer Margaret Burton doesn't look like she's 91 years old. She doesn't act like it either.
Originally from the Crosby-Ironton area where her dad worked as a mine foreman, Burton moved to Brainerd in 1937.
She was married to Lester Burton for 64 years, until he died in 1982. The couple had one child, June - now June Henkemeyer - who is 70. Henkemeyer lives with Burton in the same northeast Brainerd home they've lived in since 1944. Before they moved in, the house belonged to Lester's parents.
Margaret said the neighborhood has changed a lot in the last 64 years. The one-time church on the corner is now a photography studio and many neighboring homes have turned into rental units.
Margaret has become accustomed to change in her 91 years, not only in the world around her but in her personal life as well.
She used to work at women's clothing stores, first as a salesperson at The Francis Shop, which used to be on Front Street in downtown Brainerd, then as a manager at Stevenson's Dress Shop at the then-newly opened East Brainerd Mall.
Margaret Burton
Age: 91.
Secret to longevity: "Living right and doing things for other people."
Family: One daughter, June Henkemeyer, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren.
Hobby she misses most: Traveling with her husband, Lester. "I've practically been all over the Eastern and Western coasts," she said.
Favorite shows to watch on television: Twins baseball, Vikings football and the Olympics.
Favorite Olympic sport to watch: Skiing.
Sports background: Pole vaulting and basketball at Crosby-Ironton High School.
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When she got colon cancer in 1990, 19 inches of her intestine was removed and she underwent radiation and chemotherapy for one year. That's when she retired and started volunteering.
She's volunteered for St. Joseph's Medical Center where she'd run errands for patients; for Eastern Star, Brainerd's yearly antique show; and the Shriners where she still knits hats, mittens and scarves for people in need.
"I have to do things with my hands, that's how I've made it to 90," she said.
Still spry and looking not a day over 80, Margaret says she volunteers because she loves helping others and being around people.
"If I can do some good to somebody I do," she said.
Margaret has worked as an election judge since 1960. It all started when she was sitting in friend and former Brainerd Mayor Clyde Gorham's office and city clerk Obert Benson needed help. An election judge got sick and he needed a replacement quickly so Margaret volunteered. Nearly 50 years later, she's still doing the job.
"I get to see a lot of people I haven't seen in many years," Margaret said of her election judge job.
When she's not busy volunteering or knitting, Margaret likes to spend time with her family and collect angels.
Her home is decorated with angel figurines - more than 100 at Christmastime - she even wears a guardian angel brooch on her shoulder.
"I have a lot of faith. I believe I have an angel watching out for me," she said. "If you don't have faith, you don't have anything."
HEIDI LAKE may be reached at heidi.lake@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5879.
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