March 17, 1918 – July 22, 2022
Margaret Patricia Mercedes Gillette was born on St. Patrick’s Day, 1918 in Butte Montana, where her father, Leon, was a forest ranger.
The youngest of seven children, Margaret grew up riding, fishing, and working on the family farm. After high school, Margaret attended nursing school at Providence St. Patrick’s Hospital. After achieving her R.N. degree, she was recruited by Western Air Express, as one of the first “air hostesses” in the U.S. Based in Salt Lake City. Margaret’s first aircraft was the Boeing 247. This ten seater was the fastest and most modern passenger plane in the country. The B 247 was soon eclipsed by the DC 3. In addition, to maintaining health and safety standards in the cabin, Margaret also served gourmet meals, and made up 14 berths for overnight flights.
On a ground stop in Salt Lake City, Margaret met her future husband, Maury Keating. When the U.S. entered World War II, the couple married and moved to San Diego, where Maury flew for the Air Transport Command in and out of the Pacific. After the war ended, the Keatings moved to Anchorage, Alaska with their two young sons, and Maury was hired by Pacific Northwest Airlines as chief pilot. The Keating’s adventure in Alaska was challenging. Two daughters were born there, Margaret spending many long cold nights waiting for Maury to return safely since they had no phone service. In 1951, Margaret and Maury were transferred to Seattle, settling on Mercer Island. A third son was born, and so most of Margaret’s time was spent with five lively children. She gardened, volunteered, and had many dear friends.
After all the Keating children graduated from high school, another adventure awaited. Margaret and Maury moved to Honolulu so that Maury could finish his flying career as a DC 10 captain. After retiring, the Keatings were able to travel extensively using their airline passes. When Maury died in 2008, Margaret moved to Aljoya on Mercer Island, where many friends lived, and she enjoyed making new friends as well. Margaret’s unfailing optimism helped her through the challenging times that growing old can bring, and not a day went by without her saying “I am one lucky woman!” As she passed her 100th birthday, she constantly expressed her gratitude for everyone in her life: Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, her prayer group friends of fifty years, the wonderful caregivers from the Wellness Center, and countless friends.
Margaret’s cheery voice and positivity were an inspiration to every one she met. Margaret’s long remarkable life was an example of a life well lived.
Margaret was preceded in death by Maury, and sons Dennis and Michael. She is survived by son Don (Lori) daughters Janet Campbell (Duncan) and Margaret Ose (Gregg), grandchildren Matt, Kelsey, Michael, Jeff, Craig, Ryan, Amanda, Alex, Jordan and Patrick and seven great grandchildren. There will be a family memorial service.
