STEELEVILLE - Margaret Elizabeth Nicholson (Nee Bergfeld) of Steeleville passed away June 7, 2026, at the age of 88. Preceded in death by her first husband Vernon Willingham, second husband David Nicholson, daughter Vickey (Neil) Schoenberg, and brother Art Bergfeld. Loving mother of Eric (Tammie) Willingham, Alan (Sharilynn) Willingham, David Alan Nicholson, and Jeremy (Shannon) Nicholson. Cherished grandmother of Avonlea, Megan, Gus, Mariah, Addison, Owen, Evan, Branon (Elena), and Sean. Further survived by nieces, great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Margaret was born on her family farm in Steeleville. As a young girl she walked to the one room schoolhouse and would help raise cattle and pigs on the farm. Margaret graduated from Sparta High School. She was a switchboard operator for Bell Telephone Company and later a florist for Sparta Greenhouse. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Percy, IL.

Margaret married her high school sweetheart, Vernon E. Willingham in January of 1957. They enjoyed 23 years together before his untimely death in 1980. Margaret persevered through the tragedy, and in 1984 she married David A. Nicholson, and they enjoyed 37 years together before he passed in 2022.

Margaret had a remarkable gift with animals. Living in her cabin in the woods, she seemed to share a quiet understanding with the creatures around her. Deer and raccoons would leave their young in her care, and hummingbirds flocked to her backyard in abundance, often landing gently in her outstretched hand. Her love of floral design was both a creative passion and a gift she shared generously with her community. With a nurturing spirit and an open heart, Margaret made everyone feel cared for. She was a mother to many and a friend to all.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 11:00 to 1:00 pm, at Wilson’s Funeral Home, 509 W Illinois St, Steeleville, IL. Service to follow at 1:00 pm, with Rev. Terry Jackson and Rev. Rich Cowen officiating. Burial will be at Caledonia Cemetery, Sparta, IL.