Margaret Hood

Services: No memorial service is planned; however, memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, Fort Collins, Colorado. The Steen Funeral Home in Massena is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.steenfunerals.com. 

Margaret Ann Whitaker was born on December 10, 1933 on the family farm in Massena, Iowa. As a child, Margaret developed a strong work ethic from her time working on the farm and set a solid example of the American spirit for her family. She graduated in 1951 from Massena High School, after which she attended beauty school for a year. In 1952, she accepted a job with the Massena newspaper, working for her future husband Burton Hood. Burton taught Margaret the skill of running a Linotype machine. In 1953, Burton assisted Margaret in advancing in the printing industry by helping her acquire a job at the Adair County Free Press in Greenfield, Iowa.

In 1967, Burton and Margaret began dating and were married on August 29, 1968 at the Broadway United Methodist Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. In 1970, Margaret left the Free Press to take on her most beloved role in life, that of Mother. In 1976, Margaret fulfilled her lifelong dream of moving to Colorado with her family. Shortly after, Burton and Margaret started a printing business, Letterpress Impressions, in Fort Collins, Colorado and proudly supported their family with this “Mom & Pop” endeavor. Margaret’s biggest joy in life was her family and attending her children’s events. Margaret was famous for baking special birthday cakes and cookies for her children. Margaret also once famously said “I make the best chocolate pie I ever tasted!”, accompanied by a sly grin.

After Margaret’s husband Burton died in 1995, she again showed her strength and determination by liquidating the family business and taking a job at ¬¬¬West-Tec Press in Loveland, Colorado. In 2010, shortly after her granddaughters entered the world, Margaret retired for good, and spent her remaining years as a Professional Grandma, spoiling her granddaughters and always willing to lend a hand in their care. Margaret fought a brave two-year battle with cancer for her family but died on April 20, 2021.

Margaret was the youngest of seven children and is preceded in death by her parents and six other siblings. In addition, her beloved husband, Burton Ira Hood preceded her in death. Margaret is survived by her children, son Brian Burton Hood, wife Tamora, and granddaughter Brianna; and daughter Diane Margaret Berg, husband Nate, and daughter Lacy. Her bravery in the face of adverse health conditions was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her pretty smile, soft touch, warm heart, and endless devotion will especially be missed by her family.