Margaret “Margie” Coby Spencer

To know Margaret “Margie” Coby Spencer was to know she loved her family and friends, listening to music and following the Cincinnati Reds and University of Kentucky Basketball. On Feb. 27, at age 81, Margie passed away peacefully with family sitting vigil at her bedside. She is survived by her four children Greg Spencer (Sharon Mullen Spencer), Laurie Angel (d. Jim Angel), Scott Spencer and Mark Spencer (Melanie Spencer); her grandchildren Diana Chandler (Jade Chandler), Eric Spencer (Sara Spencer), Katie Rice (Andrew Rice), Ryan Spencer, Maggie Vercheak (Grant Vercheak) and Kyle Spencer; and four great grandchildren. Margie is also survived by Greg’s brother from another mother, Alan Henry, Laurie’s sister from another mother, Mona Deck Utz, and Mark’s brother from another mother, Tony Blakely, who each spent countless hours at the Spencer house when they were in growing up on Rosetta Drive in Burlington.

Margie was born in Covington, Kentucky on Feb. 13, 1943. She had what some might call an atypical childhood, given part of it was spent living with her family on the grounds at Mother of God Cemetery where her father was caretaker. Margie often shared happy memories of playing in the cemetery with her sisters. The youngest of four children, Margie relished her role as the baby in her family and fondly recalled her mother and sisters doting on her. Margie attended Holmes High School and graduated in 1961. Soon after graduation, Margie married and began her family. Once her youngest son, Mark, was off to school, Margie began a career working in accounts receivable at Ferrellgas and later Skilcraft. In recent years, many know Margie from her time at Macy’s where she worked until earning her much-deserved retirement. It was at Macy’s that Margie developed lasting friendships with her coworkers. When Margie’s children’s friends and their families would shop at Macy’s, she often recognized their names at the cash register, striking up conversations and reminiscing about the many years she spent as a Conner High School football mom who never missed watching her sons play sports or her daughter performing in the marching band.

Margie’s children were her life. By extension, Margie’s children’s friends–and later their spouses–were her life, too. Over and over again, Margie’s children’s friends talk about how she was a second mom. True to form, Margie welcomed her son-in-law and daughters-in-law into the fold with open arms and an endless well of love in her heart for the people her babies loved and who loved her babies.

An avid reader, news consumer and follower of current events, Margie loved history and always stood up for those who were underrepresented. Margie was accepting and loving to all walks of life, inspired by kindness and in possession of a strong sense of justice. Beneath that warmth though, lurked a wicked sense of humor. Margie’s legendary comebacks were razor sharp and she was quick to share her distinct giggle.

Margie’s family will miss her laughter, loyalty, endless compassion and unconditional love. Her children however will not miss taking her to Kroger where she would–honest to God–touch every single item on every shelf and it would take for absolute ever to get out of the store. Margie was one of a kind and she will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her and most especially by those lucky enough to be loved by her.

Margie was preceded in death by her beloved granddaugter Lauren Angel, devoted favorite son-in-law Jim Angel, her parents Firmin and Evelyn Coby and her sisters Rosemary Damon, Annie Tengler and Patricia Grause.

Visitation is at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Burlington on Saturday March 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at the church directly after the visitation. The burial of her ashes will take place at a later date at Mother of God Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ronald McDonald House.