Margaret Elizabeth Stephens Anderson

A petite, classy, intelligent, compassionate woman who carried a big stick.

Margaret Elizabeth Stephens Anderson, a native of Esparto, California, died peacefully while surrounded by family on November 23, 2024, at the age of 84 in her longtime home of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, from Glioblastoma. Born on March 22, 1940, Margaret lived a life filled with adventure, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to bettering the world around her.

Margaret grew up on her family’s ranch in Esparto, where she spent her youth surrounded by farmland and mischievous adventures, including sneaking cigarettes and smoking them with her cousins at their secret hideout, “Fort Cussing.” A woman of exceptional intellect and ambition, she graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 1962.

Her love for travel began early when, as a teenager, she joined 48 other American Red Cross Leadership students to study and explore Europe during the summer of 1957. That experience sparked a passion for exploration that took her to all seven continents, including Antarctica. Margaret found joy, beauty, and connection in every corner of the world, sharing her discoveries with everyone she met.

In 1972, Margaret married Joseph Anderson. Their marriage was a partnership of love, laughter, and shared adventures until Joe’s death in 2014. She is survived by her son Wyeth Anderson (Jutta); step-children Mathew Anderson (Marla) and Leslie Anderson (Tom); her grandchildren Alex, Hannah, Adam, Daniel, Sara, and Eva; great-grandson Carsten; and her siblings Mary Stephens DeWall, Cordelia Stephens Birrell, and Fulton Stephens.

Margaret’s compassion extended beyond her family. She dedicated over 35 years to teaching, inspiring generations of students with her intellect, humor, and boundless enthusiasm for life. A beloved and innovative educator, she was honored as Utah’s Teacher of the Year shortly before retiring in 2002. She mentored dozens of new teachers, showing them how to succeed and give their best every day.

Margaret volunteered at the 2002 Winter Olympics, proudly welcoming the world to Salt Lake City. She also helped new American citizens register to vote and stood as a fierce advocate for women and equality throughout her life.

Margaret relished playing her piano, symphonies, operas, ballets, plays, architecture, and more. An avid skier and devoted supporter of the local ski racing community, Margaret’s zest for life was as vibrant as the Utah mountains she called home. She was always a gracious hostess, making her home a place of love, laughter, and acceptance. Her humor, warmth, and broad intellect left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Margaret’s family invites you to celebrate her extraordinary life at a party on December 15, 2024, from 3–5 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S 900 E, Millcreek, UT. Drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and music will honor her memory. Margaret loved colors, and attendees are encouraged to wear a bright splash of color to reflect her joyful spirit. In lieu of flowers please make donations to YWCA Utah.