Margery Glencairn Hadl

Margery Glencairn Hadl (Mother Marg) died on April 9, 2023, at her home. She was born October 5, 1933, in Lawrence to Harold S. and Esther G. Day Skinner. Early in life, Marg developed a passion for animals. She had magical powers that lured stray pets of all species to her home on East 12th Street. Her menagerie included birds, cats and dogs in town plus horses, donkeys and mini-mules later years on the farm south of Lawrence.

Marg attended Lawrence public schools. She especially cherished her memories from New York Elementary and Liberty Memorial High Schools where she established many “forever friends”. Her best friend, Leah introduced her to Trinity Lutheran Church in Junior High. That became her “forever church home” for the rest of her devoted life in Christ. As a young woman, Marg made use of another passion, her soprano voice. She often sang for funerals and weddings. 

Marg attended the University of Kansas. She married the “boy next door”, Gerald, “Jerry” Hadl upon his return from the Korean War. She frequently told the story of her wedding night March 1, 1953. An unusual blizzard closed roads and pre-empted their honeymoon travels. After their wedding, they carved a path as far as Tonganoxie before they called it good. Marg said she feared she would be a widow before a wife that night because Jerry stood on the running board outside the driver’s door so that he could steer and see the road.

Marg and Jerry happily brought Trudy and Susan into their Pleasant Valley world. While raising her daughters, Marg enjoyed careers in retail (Weaver’s Dept Store and Jay Shoppe), teaching preschool (Trinity Lutheran Preschool and KinderCare) and working in the bakery at Dillons.

During her seven plus decades as a member of Trinity Lutheran, she participated in every aspect of the church life. She taught Sunday and Vacation Bible School, sang in the choir, served on the Council, chaired the Women’s ELCA, lead Altar Care teams and coordinated the congregational support to LINK.

Jerry preceded her in death in 1999. Months prior to his death, he had the foresight to move Marg back to town from the farm. Marg gratefully immersed herself in church activities after he died. 

Marg was also preceded in death by her parents and her childhood hero, 100-year-old grandfather, Eldred Glencairn Day. She is survived by her daughters, Trudy Eleanor Hadl of Kansas City and Leah Susan Hadl of Lawrence. 

Per Marg’s wishes, there will only be a graveside service at Memorial Park on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, Marg requests that memorials be sent through the Warren McElwain Funeral Home to Children’s Mercy Hospital, Lawrence Humane Society (or animal rescue of choice) or Trinity Lutheran Church.

19 Condolences

  1. MIKE AND ROSEMARY HADL on April 11, 2023 at 6:26 am

    To Tudy and Susan….she was a very kind woman to me over the years…Mike Hadl and Family…



  2. George Catt on April 11, 2023 at 2:15 pm

    To Susan and family. Sincere condolences at the loss of Marg. She will be missed. I have such great memories of Esther and Harold when I worked at the Journal-world. You have a great family tradition.

    she will be missed. I have



  3. Judy Green on April 11, 2023 at 4:49 pm

    Sorry to read of your mom’s passing.



  4. Gloria and Craig Jacob on April 11, 2023 at 8:36 pm

    A beautiful lady, inside and out, who will be missed by many. Always enjoyed seeing her. Love and prayers to Susan and Trudy!



  5. Sheryl Bell on April 12, 2023 at 1:21 am

    Although I never met Margery, I have known Trudy for over 10 years. Knowing Trudy, it is obvious that she was a terrific mother who taught her children to love the Lord, and to totally commit themselves to serving others. Certainly, she will be missed, but she left a legacy which will never be forgotten. Prayers for the family and friends!



  6. Vicki Julian on April 12, 2023 at 1:29 am

    My prayers go to you, Susan and Trudy. I know Marge was a wonderful mother to you and very proud of her girls, but also so much a part of Trinity Lutheran Church I can’t imagine what a loss this is to all of us. Her wonderful cards of encouragement to members of the congregation meant so much when we faced any kind of loss or challenge. And, she always had a ready smile and greeting for everyone. While she will be missed by those who knew her, I can only imagine that she is happily soaring through the heavens with your dad now.



  7. Lisa Edgerton-Johnston on April 12, 2023 at 7:24 am

    Trudy and Susan,
    I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. As I write this, I remember the numerous cards and words of encouragement my parents received from her during the last years of their life. She was a blessing and will be greatly missed by many.



  8. LaDonna Atchinson on April 12, 2023 at 10:40 am

    Susan, I so enjoyed visiting with your mom when she would come in for altar care, drop off the memorial cards, get LINK food ready or any of the many wonderful ways she served her Lord and the community. I could see where you got your passion for serving others especially animals. Hugs to you all.



  9. Lori Gordon on April 12, 2023 at 12:03 pm

    Susan and Trudy- what a nice tribute to your mother. I’m so sorry for your loss and sorry that I cannot attend the graveside service. Will need thinking of you and sending caring thoughts your way.



  10. Tracy Rose on April 12, 2023 at 1:04 pm

    Susan, your mom was the sweetest woman ever. I will always remember her. Now we can smile knowing she is with your daddy. Much love! xoxoxo



  11. Nancy Vogel on April 12, 2023 at 4:13 pm

    Susan,

    My condolences on the recent death of your stalwart mother, Marj. May strength be yours in the coming days, especially on Friday. Blessings to all the family. Thank you, again, for your help when Jerry, my brother, passed.

    Your friend,
    Nancy



  12. Dee Jerome on April 12, 2023 at 4:40 pm

    Susan, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know it is a difficult time for you, but please know you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you now and always. Take care of yourself. – Dee



  13. Connie Flory on April 12, 2023 at 6:10 pm

    Susan, I’m so sorry to read of your mom’s passing. She was such a sweetheart and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to spend some time with her thru KLAH.



  14. Shirley Anderson on April 13, 2023 at 2:21 pm

    Susan and Trudy, you are in my thoughts and prayers. We first became neighbors and then a long lasting friendship followed. And just like your mother, I began attending Trinity Lutheran Church at a very young age becoming a member during my Junior High days. Our times at Trinity were special. Your loving parents raised two beautiful daughters. I have many memories of my times with Marge, especially two humorous times which I would be happy to share with you. I am sure it would be alright with your Mom. Trinity Lutheran has lost a wonderful and loving member. Marge’s cards, telephone calls and her delicious Hamburger Stew were appreciated very much. Your parents are once again together and forever proud of their daughters. God Bless you, Trudy and Susan. Love!



  15. Anne Wiedenkeller on April 14, 2023 at 9:42 am

    Trudy and Susan, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know your mom was a very special person and her love and light will always be with you. You are in my prayers and in my heart. Love, Anne



  16. Richard and Rhonda Rose on April 15, 2023 at 5:41 am

    Susan, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Marg was such a strong willed woman who was always thinking of others. She was truly blessed when she had you and Trudy. May God give you strength during this difficult time to move forward. Hold on to all the cherrised memories.



  17. Sue Glatz on April 15, 2023 at 7:35 am

    Dear Susan and Trudy,
    I met your Mom at JCPenney salon many years ago. As long as I can remember she was always there once a week and we always chatted when we saw each other. What a sweet , kind , loving human being. Her love of animals was very clear.As I read her obituary I learned many new things about her and that we have so much in common with singing in the church. I can picture her now in Heaven surrounded by ALL the animals and singing in the Celestial Choir.

    My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days ahead.
    Sue Glatz



  18. Reece E. Wiley on April 16, 2023 at 11:03 am

    There’s an empty spot on the bench in Trinity’s narthex, where Marj would sit to greet members and visitors head them in the right direction. A good Christian woman, one of the last of her ‘breed’. Trudy and Susan are testaments to the kind of woman Marj was– and still is, in our hearts.



  19. Barbara Roever on April 16, 2023 at 2:33 pm

    Susan, We were so sorry to see the news of your mother’s passing. We are thinking of you, your sister and family during this difficult time. Barb Roever, Warren and Noelle Miller, and Diane Miller



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