MARGARET ELLEN CLARY was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 11, 1934, to Hugh and Irene (Hebert) Gage. She died on January 20, 2025, in Westlake, Ohio after a brief illness at the freshly minted age of 92.
Beloved wife of 30 years to the late Benjamin Clary. Dearest mother of Daniel (Deborah) Whitaker, John (Tina) Whitaker, Nancy (David) Bushee, and David (Peggy) Whitaker. Cherished grandmother of the late Jason, and Ryan, Scott, Sean, Connor and Aidan. Margaret is also survived by her brother-in-law, Felix Strozeski. She is preceded in death by her parents Hugh and Irene Gage, and her siblings Russell Gage and Shirley Strozeski.
Margaret (Marge) graduated early from Pershing High School in 1951. After marrying her first husband, the late Charles Whitaker, in 1954, Marge began her civil service career while Charles was stationed in various military bases across the US. She started with the US Army Tank Command in 1969, and after 25 years of service, Marge retired from TACOM in 1994.
In her retirement, Marge enjoyed gardening, attending church services, reading, camping with her husband Ben in their travel trailer, cheering on her Tigers, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Marge was very talented at knitting and crochet arts and made many precious gifts for her family and friends over the years. Most notable were the personalized Christmas stockings she knitted, but she also made several afghans as well as countless hats and scarves.
All who knew Marge will remember her sparking blue eyes and her sweet and sunny disposition. Marge loved animals, especially dogs, and there is no question that her beloved shih-poo Ebony was waiting patiently for her to arrive at the pearly gates.
Any memorial contributions can be made to the Michigan Humane Society.
Visitation Sunday, January 25th, 2026, from 3:00-8:00 pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile Rd). Visitation Monday, January 26th, 2026, at 10:00 am until time of funeral service at 11:00 am at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile Rd).