Maggie Mary Margaret Wilson
Our beloved Maggie left this world suddenly on September 28th surrounded by her loving sisters while on vacation in Mendocino. She was celebrating her 60th birthday year and the arrival of her first grandson, Harrison. She left us while laughing & rejoicing in the goodness of her life, the richness of her friendships and love of her family.
Maggie (Miller) was born in Los Angeles on May 5 1954 to Esther Beatrice (Poulsen) & David Lee Miller & grew up in LA & Orange counties. She was an engaging talkative child who became a vivacious caring adult, always serving others. She came to Santa Barbara County in 1979, initially teaching pre-school, & became a cosmetologist, later teaching at both Lu Ross Academy & SBCC. She was a fixture in salons in Summerland & Montecito until her ‘retirement’ in 2008. Some ‘special client’ friends stilled received her styling attention & nurturing. Maggie continued her service & care for people with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and was sworn as an officer of the court in 2013 to represent abused & neglected children in the court system. She created a very special & lasting relationship with her first young charge that went beyond advocacy and became a true friendship.
Maggie loved travel adventures! She even went to Italy alone thinking she’d move there, before meeting & marrying James Wilson in 2003. Their romance was epic (in certain circles) & together they explored Parisian flea markets, skied Park City, trekked jungles & Mayan ruins in Belize & Guatemala, drift-dived Cozumel, bare-boat chartered in the San Juan & Gulf Islands & ate their way through their favorite cities New Orleans, San Francisco & New York. They honeymooned in Hawaii & went back often to bask in the warm trade winds she loved.
Maggie treasured her life, was devoted to her friends, cherished her family, and doted on her dogs. She is survived by her adoring husband, James, son Graham Hartley, daughter-in-law Claire Hartley, grandson Harrison Hartley, mother Esther Miller, sisters Laurie Miller, Leslie Vallejo, Liz Oakland, brothers John & Dan Miller & many nieces & nephews. We will all miss her profoundly but will see her at heaven’s gate.
Donations in Maggie’s name may be made to CASA @ www.sbcasa.org