Margaret Peden Mace (1931-2026)

Margaret Peden Mace, age 95, died on May 3, 2026. She was born in Spokane, Washington in 1931 to Henry and Hansel Peden, but was reared by William Atkisson and Hansel (Peden) Atkisson. Margaret attended John R. Rogers High School in Spokane, and graduated Salutatorian. She held every office available to her, including class President her senior year, editor of the school newspaper, and Song Leader. She worked fulltime at The Crescent while attending school. She was a vivacious and radiant beauty, and was named Miss Polaroid in her early 30s. She toured extensively as Polaroid’s representative.

Although she had received a full scholarship to major in journalism at Gonzaga University, she chose a different life path. Margaret met the love of her life, Donald Charles Mace, in 1945.  Excited to start their lives together, they were married in 1949. They moved between Spokane, Seattle area, Pendleton and Richland as Donald pursued his career as a draftsman in heavy construction. They had been lovingly married for 48 years when Donald passed in 1997.

Margaret was a fulltime stay-at-home mother. She nurtured, and is survived by, four intellectual and quick-witted children (Kathryn, Steven, Robert and Gregory).  She applied her interest in writing to penning long letters to her many friends and family – and even longer excuse notes when her children were absent from school.

Margaret is also survived by four exceptional grandchildren (Brian, Natasha, Jacob and Caden), and two remarkable great grandchildren (Owen and Olivia).  Her family meant the world to her.  She was immensely proud of each and every one. She offered comfort during hardships, celebrated accomplishments, and treasured every moment spent together.

Margaret was a devout Presbyterian and an active member of West Side Church in Richland for many years. She dedicated her beautiful soprano voice, her warm heart, and her time to her faith and the Christian community. Margaret was deeply caring and unwavering, and her grace was reflected in her worship and veneration.

Margaret volunteered at Kadlec Regional Medical Center for many years as a Patient Escort and in the gift shop.  She and her entire family received exemplary medical care at Kadlec throughout the years and are profoundly grateful.

Margaret enjoyed reading, playing piano, singing in choirs and chorales, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, sewing, crafts, walks along the Columbia River, and loquacious conversations, but start a game of Pitch, Oh Hell or Doctor Mario, and her competitive spirit shined. She was a loyal Mariners and Seahawks fan and never missed a game. Margaret appreciated a good joke, had a sharp mind and a marvelous sense of humor.

She delighted in cooking for family and friends. Margaret and Don hosted countless dinners in their home. Being affable and gregarious, she was a delightful guest as well. Margaret will be warmly remembered for an endless number of things, but French Hot Chocolate at Christmastime, Guess Dip at every social gathering, and her savory spaghetti sauce will be everlasting.

As someone who loved to travel, Margaret was fortunate to explore several countries, including Europe, Australia, Panama, and more. Her most enjoyable method of travel was by cruise ship. On one particular cruise, a bartender recognized Margaret and had a tumbler of Grey Goose vodka ready for her when she boarded. It certainly helped that she always appreciated and recognized excellent service.

A memorial service will be held for Margaret at a later date, at West Side Church, 615 Wright Avenue, Richland.

In lieu of flowers, please do an act of kindness as Margaret would have done, or make donations in her name online to the Kadlec Foundation, at: https://give.providence.org/WA/kadlec/agn