Margaret (Sanders) Serp

Margaret Serp (Sanders) was born on July 7th, 1937. She grew up in Baltimore and attended Eastern High School from which she graduated in 1955. She married her husband, Ed, on September 14, 1957 and they had three children: Mindy, Ed, and Karen.

Margaret went into the field of education and worked tirelessly to further her career. In 1972, she was hired as an aide with the Anne Arundel County public school system. In the evenings, Margaret attended classes as she worked to get her associates degree from Anne Arundel Community college, which she earned in 1978. She then attended Towson University where she graduated with a Bachelors of Science in 1981. A decade after being hired as an aide, she signed a contract with the Anne Arundel County public school system as a full time teacher. Margaret poured herself into her students. She worked with children who many others would have considered too difficult or unreachable. Giving up on any student was not an option for her. She made sure they knew they were safe with and valuable to her. Many of her students returned years later to let her know what an impact she had on them.

Anyone that knew Margaret knew what it felt to be loved by her. She was kind and giving and was always looking for a way to serve others. She spent much of her free time knitting blankets with her club Stitches from the Heart to donate to the NICU and bereaved parents at a local hospital. Her knitted pieces were created with care and great attention to detail. For her great granddaughters, she made everything from slippers to popsicle holders to entire dolls! There was no end to her creativity and generosity.

Holidays with Margaret were full of warmth and joy. She treasured time with her family. Not only did she carefully pick out gifts for all of her loved ones, but every Christmas, Margaret would create a special scavenger hunt for her grandchildren to help them find their presents. Even as they grew older, the tradition held, and it remains a favorite memory. She always found an excuse to cook or bake a treat. A crowd favorite was her strawberry pie. Everyone was a little extra excited for strawberry season each year!

Along with her husband, Margaret traveled extensively with her children. Using the family’s travel trailer, they made their way through the United States, exploring landmarks, learning about history, and experiencing natural wonders. It wasn’t uncommon for other families and friends to be invited along. Margaret was exceptional at creating a community that everyone wanted to be a part of. One of their favorite places to be was the beach. They owned a home in Ocean Pines, MD where they, along with their children and grandchildren, spent many summers making memories. After retirement, Margaret and Ed continued their adventures, including one final camping trip in a travel trailer with their children.

Margaret is survived by her three loving children, son Ed Serp (wife Betsy) and daughters Mindy Doring (husband Mark) and Karen Beer (husband Mike). She is also survived by five grandchildren, Alex Doring (wife Becca), Jason Doring, Kerry Doring, Emily Beer, Melissa Beer, as well as two great-granddaughters Natalie and Hannah Doring. Her husband, Ed, passed away in January of this year. The number of people who were touched by Margaret’s compassion is impossible to calculate. From her students to her friends to her family, everyone’s lives were made a little better by having her in it. She will be missed as fully as she was loved.

Visitation will be held at the family-owned Candlelight Funeral Home, 1835 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD (21228) on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 from 5 pm until 7 pm. A graveside service will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery (Glen Burnie) on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 11 am.

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