Posted on 06/18/2018
Margaret Walser Shutler, nee Margaret Ann Walser, was born in Minneapolis, MN and passed on, in Annandale, VA March 12, 2018. She was 92 years young. Margaret (known as Muggs) was raised in Minneapolis. She attended Mount Holyoke College (MHC) and graduated in 1947 with a degree in Music. She taught school for a year at St. Agnes School for girls in Alexandria, VA and in 1948 married Philip D. Shutler (USNA '47). They had six children and as a loyal Marine Corps family they moved all over these United States singing songs and eating sandwiches. While at MHC she developed five themes that guided her life: music, botany, enthusiasm for the outdoors, dedication to Christian Science and abiding friendships. She loved to travel, to see family and friends, but also to see new places and meet new people and learn, learn, learn. She helped spread that knowledge as a docent at George Mason's home, Gunston Hall. She particularly enjoyed the winter season when they made and ate desserts. Margaret was an avid birder and lifelong member of the Audubon Society. She loved identifying birds by their song and raced to the window with binoculars to see the little divas. Muggs loved gardening! Her garden was the envy of the neighborhood. She volunteered at Green Springs Gardens in Fairfax, VA for many years and always supported environmental issues. She lived the phrase "Bloom Where you are Planted." And through 19 moves she blossomed wherever she landed, and she encouraged her children to bloom as citizens of the world. She wove a close-knit brood. She was lovely, lovable, loving and beloved. She is remembered with joy. Margaret is survived by her beloved husband, Lt Gen. Philip D. Shutler (USMC Ret), their children Louise Shutler, Philip Shutler (Rita), David Shutler (Katie), Eric Shutler (Earl), Robert Shutler (Sharon), and Charlotte Shutler O'Connell (Pat), ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild, as well as her brother Jack Walser (Gail) and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Friends of Green Spring (FROGS), Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.Memorials may be made to Friends of Green Spring (FROGS), Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.
Published in The Washington Post on June 16, 2018