Margaret Jirak

Margaret Phyllis Jirak, 63, of Elon, died peacefully at home last Thursday morning after a lifetime of progressive disability due to Multiple Sclerosis. Paul, her husband of 39 years was at her side. During an acute illness in her last week, Marge was under the care of in-home Hospice staff. Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Marge pursued a career in journalism becoming the first female editor of a large suburban newspaper chain. After marrying Paul, they soon found their way to Elon, North Carolina, which has been home to the family since 1976. After the death of their infant son, Christopher in 1981, she developed multiple sclerosis. By the late 1980's, she had started an MS support group as well as a bereaved parents support group, the first of their kind in Alamance County. She had also joined the board of the Central Carolina Chapter of the National MS Society and was instrumental in establishing a chapter sponsored respite program for MS patients and their families as well as a medical equipment loan program. For her work, she was honored nationally in 1992. Also, in the early 1990's, with the Americans with Disabilities Act soon to become law, Marge worked with the State of North Carolina Governor's office to establish the Alamance County Mayors' Committee for Persons with Disabilities. In its 18th year, the ACMCPD is still working every year within Alamance County to raise awareness about and improve the lives of persons with disabilities countywide. Along with numerous other honors over the years, particularly in her role as an advocate for the disabled, Marge was most proud of being named the Altrusa Club's Mother of the Year, 1991-1992. Marge was preceded in death by her parents, Phyllis and Edmund Jachimowski as well as her son Christopher. She is survived by her husband, Paul; granddaughter Ryan Shaffroth; daughters Julie Shaffroth and Karen Jirak; sisters Maryellen Jachimowski and Grace Skalski, and brother Edmund Jachimowski; numerous nieces and nephews; and dozens of close friends who know who you are, she loved you like family. A private cremation and internment at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois, will precede a Memorial Mass scheduled at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2009, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on 328 West Davis Street, Burlington where she was an active member and a Secular Franciscan. The family asks that anyone wishing to honor Marge's memory may do so with a gift to Blessed Sacrament Church; or ACMCPD, P.O. Box 382, Burlington, 27215; or, Hospice of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, 27215; or the Central NC MS Society, 2211 W Meadowview Road; Greensboro, 27407. Condolences may be sent to the family at info@lowefuneralhome.com