Margaret Wasielewski, a devoted wife and beloved mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, and aunt, passed away peacefully with family at her side on January 8, 2025, in Cincinnati, just two months shy of her 90th birthday.

Margaret was a joyous person who will be remembered for her passionate heart, infectious laugh, sense of adventure, and inner strength.

Born on March 5, 1935, to Aram and Mariam Markarian, Margaret grew up in the Detroit, Michigan area where she attended Mackenzie High School, and met the love of her life, Jerry Wasielewski, who preceded her in death in 1988.

While raising six children in Schenectady, New York and Cincinnati, Ohio, Margaret volunteered for the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, PTA, League of Women Voters, and her church. Later in life, she was an active member of the Woman's Art Club of Cincinnati and The Community of the Good Shepherd where she found friendship and purpose participating in the choir and Whitley City Ministry.

After ensuring each of her children received a college education, Margaret went back to school herself, earning a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art at the University of Cincinnati. An award-winning artist whose work has been exhibited in New York, Detroit, Cincinnati, Florida, and Chicago, many of her brightly colored pastels, watercolors and oil paintings reflect the struggles and traditions of the Armenian people. She illustrated two children's books, co-written with her daughter, about her mother's childhood in Armenia. Much of her work also featured her cherished children and grandchildren.

As a first-generation Armenian-American, Margaret took pride in her heritage and spent countless hours researching her family genealogy and her mother's plight escaping the genocide. She had a fearless nature and a you-only-live-once attitude.

A fastidious homemaker, Margaret was equally skilled at preparing Eastern European dishes as she was the Armenian foods she grew up on. These recipes and traditions will forever be cherished by her family.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Gerald E. Wasielewski, both her parents, and her brothers, James (Inez) and Edward (Wanda) Markarian.

She is survived by her children, Janice Lowell (Ron), Ray Wasielewski (Anita), Marianne McCarthy (Kevin); Michele Geiger (Chuck), Craig Westwood (Tatyana), and Karen Greive (Tim); grandchildren, Kristy Lowell, Erin Malecki (Krzysztof), Anne Lowell, Claire Wasielewski, Grant Wasielewski, Shane McCarthy (Lauren), Kelly McCarthy, Lennon McCarthy, Brett Geiger, Kurt Geiger, Bryan Geiger, Kira Westwood, Bradley Westwood, Michael Greive, and Matthew Greive; and her sister-in-law, Joanne Ballantine. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Despite her large family, Margaret never forgot a birthday and strove to be present at the games, plays, recitals, graduations, and other milestones in her grandchildren's lives.

Many thanks to the staff of Liberty Place Memory Care and Affinity Hospice & Palliative Care for their compassion and support during Margaret's final days.

As we say goodbye to Margaret, we celebrate the life of an energetic and talented woman who was a beacon of faith, kindness and love. Her legacy is one of unwavering devotion to her extended family, church and community. Margaret's memory will be forever treasured as her family continues to grow.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 1, from 9 AM to 9:45 AM and funeral service from 10 AM to 11 AM, at The Community of the Good Shepherd located at 8815 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249. A graveside ceremony will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at 11000 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Margaret's memory with a donation to the Woman's Art Club of Cincinnati , 6980 Cambridge Avenue, Mariemont, OH, 4522, or Whitley City Ministry at the Good Shepherd , 8815 E Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH, 45249.