Margaret LeVey Retoske

Margaret LeVey Retoske

Margaret L. Retoske passed away peacefully in Newport Beach, CA on November 12, 2009. She was 88 years of age. Margaret lived in Costa Mesa, CA since 1982 when she retired from New York and came to live in southern California.

Margaret was pre-deceased by her husband of 63 years, John J. Retoske in 2002, and her sister Ethel in 1991. Margaret is survived by two children, her son Denis (Cynthia) Retoske of Brentwood, TN, and her daughter Barbara Cichon of Knoxville, TN; three grandchildren - Denis (Laura) Retoske, Jr., Coto de Caza, CA, Jennifer (Ryan) Keller of Brentwood, TN and Matthew Retoske of Portland, OR; five great-grandchildren - Ashley, Anna, Mary, John and Megan, and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her companion and friend Lee Burg of Huntington Beach, CA.

Margaret was born in 1921 and raised in New York City. ‘Daisy’ married her ‘Johnny’ in 1938 in Yonkers, NY where they lived until 1951. Margaret worked in the defense industry during World War II. She also lived in the Bronx, NY, in Dobbs Ferry, NY and in Yonkers, NY before she moved to Costa Mesa, CA. She was employed for many years as a medical assistant to a prominent Bronxville, NY doctor. During this time, she was certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants. She was instrumental in rejuvenating the New York State Society of Medical Assistants in which organization she rose to the leadership position of officer and finally, in 1981-82, was elected its President. Following her energetic stewardship, she remained active for more than twenty-five years as a Past President of New York State Society. Margaret was also qualified as a CMC-AC and a certified medical transcriptionist, receiving numerous service and accomplishment awards from these organizations. She was very proud of her contributions to and acknowledgments by these prominent associations.

Upon retiring with John to California in 1982, Margaret became an active ballroom dancer and dance partner at Oasis in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa Senior Center, Irvine Senior Center and several other senior locations in Orange County. Margaret provided a wide variety of ‘pro bono’ services to the senior community, including HICAP. She was a long time active parishioner, volunteer and supporter of Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Costa Mesa.

Margaret had an active and successful life. She traveled, she danced and she enjoyed being with her many friends. She will be greatly missed by her family, her friends and those who worked with her.

Margaret will be interred at Harbor Lawn Memorial Park, Costa Mesa, CA alongside her late husband John.