Margaret Mary Lebrecht (Marge) of Park Ridge, IL was born and raised in Chicago. She was the second child of the late Arthur and Catherine Carlson and little sister and lifelong friend to the late Kathryn (Kay) O'Neill. Marge attended Burbank Elementary School and later Steinmetz High School. In 1956, she married and had four children over the next several years. Raising her children in her childhood home, Marge was a devoted and loving mother to Mark Lebrecht, Steven Lebrecht, Jill (Jose) Andreu and Jeanne (Mike) Minasian.

Although she was a single mom and at times had to hold down three jobs, Marge eventually returned to school to get her Bachelor's Degree from Rosary College (Dominican University). After graduating, she began to work for the Chicago Public Schools as an elementary school teacher. After some years, Marge went back to school to get her Master of Education Degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and went on to become an elementary school counselor.  During this time, Marge became more involved with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and served as Executive Board Member as an Elementary School Vice President.

During these busy years as her children were growing, Marge took the family on some adventures. The Illinois State Fair was a favorite and frequent vacation location. There was also a train trip to New Orleans. Life-long memories were made during the 1974 cross-country trip in her new Cutlass Supreme to visit her parents in California.

Eventually, the family made the move to Park Ridge. After many years as an educator, Marge retired as a counselor and went to work for the CTU full-time as a Field Representative and Graduate Program Coordinator. Marge enjoyed her time at the CTU representing other teachers and helping others to further their education. In addition to the work, Marge enjoyed the many friendships that developed during her time at the union.

During these years, her family continued to grow to include seven grandkids including Jaclynn (Nick Caffey), Steven (Dorothy Krol) Lebrecht, Samantha Minasian, Kevin Minasian, Joshua Andreu, Jack Minasian and Jessica Andreu. Marge was also blessed with two great grandkids – Hailey Millecker and Ayden Caffey. She was a dedicated grandma and great grandma who loved to go to all their various activities, games and performances.

Marge loved traveling and visited countries all over the world with her friends and family. She enjoyed spending time with her sister Kay and her children Michael (Lisa) O'Neill, Peggy (Mike) Czarnik, Dan O'Neill and Tim (Denise) O'Neill. After her retirement, Marge played Bridge and worked out regularly at the Park Ridge Community Center. She enjoyed driving her Cadillac, going to movies and the theatre, dining out and relishing a good glass of Chardonnay.

Marge was an extraordinary woman and her family will miss her more than words can express.