Margo Joan von Phul

Date of Birth

December 2, 1936

Date of Death

December 28, 2024

MARGO was born and raised in Newtown Square PA, a suburb of Philadelphia, to George and Helen Baldwin, and was the big sister to brothers Phillip and Eugene.

She married in February 1957 and her only child, son Barry, was born in April 1958. After she and Barry’s dad divorced, Margo lived on her own for a time, later re-marrying for a few years. Many years later she met another man who was her companion for more than 30 years until he went into a nursing facility around 2017 where he still resides.

As a result of a near-death infection in May of 2021, Margo was hospitalized and from there went into a long-term care facility. On December 27th another horrible infection sent her to the hospital where she passed away around 2am on Saturday, December 28, 2024.

Margo is survived by her son and daughter-in-law in Washington State, and seven nieces and nephews and their families, all of whom live on the East Coast. Margo’s parents passed away in the 1990’s. Both brothers passed before her, as did their wives, and one of her nieces.

She made lots of friends over the years and those who were especially important to her she called “sister-friends”.

She moved to Santa Barbara around 1970 and discovered her artistic self. She followed her dream! It led her to eventually graduate from UCSB with a degree in graphic art which influenced much of her work over the years. Margo displayed and sold her art at the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show for decades until declining physical mobility compelled her to “retire” in early 2016. She’d been a part of the show for about 43 years!

She enjoyed sharing her love of art and was especially encouraging to young artists, one of whom was a niece who had been named after her. This is what Margo Lisa had to say about her aunt.

“Margo was a giver of herself. She put herself out there with beautiful art and healing teachings. She was fun, positive, and always working to help others. I am very thankful to have had her in my life.”

There will be no memorial service, per Margo’s request. She was cremated and her ashes will be spread in a beautiful setting in Washington State by her son and daughter-in-law.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers or cards, please consider somehow recognizing and supporting the Arts in a way that suits you. Thank you.

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