Margaret Griset Liermann

Margaret Griset Liermann passed away on November 8, 2008, at her home in Fallbrook with her family and friends at her bedside. She had bravely struggled for eight years to maintain her independence and dignity while fighting a condition finally diagnosed as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

Margaret (Margy) was born February 26, 1926, in Tustin, CA, the sixth of nine children. Her parents were Gaston Daniel and Blanche Holyland Griset. She attended Tustin Elementary and Tustin High School, graduating with honors from Tustin High in 1943. In 1945 she received an AA degree from Santa Ana JC followed by a BA in English literature from the University of California at Berkeley.

After a three-year romance, Margy married her sweetheart, Harry W. Liermann, in 1950. They raised their seven children, Kenneth, Frances, Bradley, Keith, Kitty, Claudia and Grant, in Tustin and moved to Fallbrook in 1965.

Margy loved getting together and staying in touch with family and friends. She was “famous” for her family parties, especially the carnivals, Halloween parties, beach parties, playing the piano and sing-alongs, homemade ice cream, Christmas cookies, taco salad and letter writing, to name a few. She had a love and knowledge of the out-of-doors which showed in the love and care that went into her beautiful yard and garden.

Margaret was active in the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts as troop and council leader and trainer. She was recognized by the San Diego Girl Scout Council with a “Thanks Badge,” an adult recognition for outstanding service. She positively influenced many kids and adults with her creativity, enthusiasm, knowledge and amazing ability to organize events.

Margy loved to read books, play piano, travel, cook and write letters. She was extremely frustrated when PSP slowly took away her ability to write, speak, care for herself and eventually even swallow.

Margy will be greatly missed. She is survived by sister Henrietta Griset Hurley, brother Richard Griset, seven children, 25 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A funeral service has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, at Berry-Bell & Hall Mortuary in Fallbrook. A reception will follow.

Viewing will be Friday, November 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the mortuary. Burial and a graveside service will be held Sunday, November 16, at 12:30 p.m. at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana.

Memorial contributions may be made to the San Diego Girl Scout Council, the Fallbrook Nature Conservancy or Cure PSP.