Margaret Pelelo OttingerAge: 56 • ShelburneMargaret Ottinger died peacefully, as she had lived, with husband Matt of 28 years by her side in their home in Shelburne, VT on Monday, March 13th. Her children Harvey (21) and Lila (17) were Margaret's greatest joy in life. She loved watching both of them grow and succeed in life. Diagnosed with brain cancer two years ago, Margaret was asked what was on her "bucket list" and her wish was just to continue providing normalcy to her children, which she did with love and grace.Margaret was a farm-girl born on June 10, 1960 in Sioux City, Iowa - the middle child of Lila and Alex Pelelo - and raised on a family farm outside of Merrill, Iowa with six siblings: Mary, Mike, Steve, Sarah, Cathy, and Bob. She is survived by all of her siblings along with their spouses and children and very much appreciated all of their visits and support these past two years. She graduated from LeMars High School in 1978 and went on to attain a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Iowa State University, and a MSW at the University of Minnesota in 1987. She married Matthew Ottinger on October 22, 1988, and together they spent two years in the Solomon Islands as Peace Corps Volunteers. Margaret also enjoyed years of the love and support from Matt's parents Harvey & Kathryn, who live down the road in Shelburne, and siblings Debi, Harvey, Jean, Judy, Mary and Sarah -- along with their spouses and children.With her bright mind, compassionate soul, and unending ability to listen, Margaret dedicated her life to being of service and caring for others. Margaret found her true calling working for the Counseling Service of Addison County as a School-Based Clinician at Vergennes Union High School for the past ten years. She served on the Shelburne Social Services committee and was active at All Souls Interfaith Gathering supporting food drives and organizing the annual COTS walk. Each year Margaret and her family enjoyed preparing holiday meals for neighbors at Harbor Place, as well as roasting corn at the Shelburne Farms' Harvest Festival. Even in the midst of health challenges, Margaret continued to shine in kindness, humility, gratitude, and purpose as a loving wife, mother, sister, friend, neighbor, and volunteer.A celebration of Margaret's life will be held at 3PM on Saturday, March 18 at All Souls Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne, with a burial to follow in the summer. The family extends deep gratitude to the VNA, Dr. Moustakas and his office staff, and to all of the friends, family and neighbors who have supported Margaret and her family these past two years. Anyone who wishes may consider a gift to the VNA or a public service organization of your choice in Margaret's memory. Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.