Margaret Haug

Margaret Graham Haug, an international traveler, volunteer, and devoted wife and mother, died April 13, 2023 at her home in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her oldest daughter Kris, and husband, Randy, lovingly guiding her to a peaceful end to a long life. She was 95. Margaret, an only child, was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1927 to Maude Hester Graham and William Milledge Graham. Ever the Southern belle, she always adhered to high standards of dress and decorum, and at times, drama. Shortly after the end of World War II, while a freshman at Oglethorpe College, she met Leif Georg Haug, a young Norwegian soldier who had received a scholarship to the college. They fell in love, but Margaret wouldn’t agree to marry him unless he was gainfully employed. Not to be deterred, Leif went to New York and started working for the United Nations, a career that spanned several decades. Leif’s position with the UN brought with it years of travels and adventures. His various assignments took them from New York to North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. In each place, Margaret established comfortable homes and focused on learning the culture, language, and cuisine of each country. She taught her children, Kris and Kathy, to accept cultural differences and incorporate valuable lessons from all they saw and experienced. Margaret became fluent in Norwegian and taught her daughters to love and appreciate their Norwegian heritage as well as their American roots. Eventually retiring in Hendersonville, NC, Margaret was active in garden clubs, ladies’ civic groups, and was a proud 10,000+ hour Pink Lady volunteer at the local hospital. Never idle, she enjoyed completing needlework projects that will be cherished for generations. She and Leif shared their 65 years of life together with their dogs, always important members of their family. After Leif’s death, Margaret moved to Colorado. She enjoyed more than a decade of watching her grandchildren grow up, marry, and give birth to her great-grandchildren. Margaret is survived by her daughters, Kristin Frank (Randolph) and Katherine Simmons (Kenneth); and grandchildren Katherine Frank (Joe Dvorsky), Alexandra Frank (Maurizio Cereda), Graham Frank (Shawnna), Benjamin Simmons, Kristian Simmons (Sydney Leaphart); and four cherished great granddaughters. She is also survived by Lucy, her beloved, rescued four-legged friend who offered her companionship and comfort in her final years. In particular, the family extends their gratitude to Kathy Kindt, a loyal friend who supported Margaret with patience and love for many years. The family will celebrate Margaret’s life during a private interment at a future date. In lieu of flowers, prayers and fond memories are gratefully accepted.