Margaret Mary ‘McCutcheon’ Maas
Feb. 15, 1937-Nov. 22, 2019
Pleasanton, California
Margaret’s journey began when she was born in Oakland, California February 15, 1937. She grew up in Oakland and graduated from Oakland High School in 1955. She met her husband of twenty years, Richard Norman Maas (1940-2015), with whom she raised their three beloved sons: Kurt, Kevin, and Kraig. Margaret and Richard parted ways in 1981, but they remained loving parents to their three boys and their families until the end of their lives. She eventually settled in Pleasanton where she lived in the same home for the last 49 years, and it is there where she drew her last breath on November 22, 2019, exactly how she wanted it.
Margaret was a dedicated mother who’s greatest joy came from spending time with her sons, daughters in law, and all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had the gift of always having a smile on her face, and only seeing the good in every one and every situation. She cherished the time she spent surrounded by loved ones telling - and retelling - stories.
She spent twenty years working at JC Penney where she lived to brighten the day of all she met. In her spare time she had a passion for cooking, baking, sewing, volunteering, and caring for the elderly. All of those passions she continued to enjoy until her final months. Margaret loved to love on people, and recognized that LOVE is a verb. She showed her love by serving the community in any way she could. She volunteered at the Antique store in Sunol for many years, and the last five years found immense happiness making blankets with her group ‘Blankets for Kids’ creating treasures for ill children. Margaret was famous for her delicious baked goods she’d whip up (without measuring). Her lemon bars were a particular specialty, often being proclaimed as "the best anyone had ever had". She was never one to show up anywhere empty handed; and would always have bags full of her lemon bars, tins of baked goods, or deviled eggs with her at the ready.
To her family and friends she was the epitome of unconditional love and selflessness. Her home was warm, inviting, and open to everyone... always. Margaret was the loving “mother” to those who needed her, and a caring friend to all who knew her. She was kind, hard working, loyal, extremely strong, and a true role model. She always had a heart for connecting with others. She was a special person who helped and cared for all that were lucky to know her.
Margaret will be remembered for her humility, beautiful smile, joyful heart, limitless strength, and selfless Spirit. She will live on through those she loved and all who loved her. The one thing I believe she would want all of you to know is ...
‘A hundred years from now it won’t matter what your bank account was, the car you drove, the type of house you lived in...But the world will be different because you made a difference in the life of someone else.”
Margaret is survived by her partner of 29 years, Bill Maas, her three sons and their families; Kurt (Denise), Kevin (Gina), Kraig (Sherry), her ten Grandchildren ‘Karl 31 (Grace), Jessica 31 (Stuart) Grady, Kyle 31, Tristan 24, Konner 24, Kollin 22, Madison 21, Kennedy 20, Braeden 19, Kaden 19, her four Great Grandchildren Koa 8, Kolby 5, Kayliann 6, and 3 month old Channel.
