Margaret Mecca

Margaret (Medley) Mecca was born in Harrison County, Ind., on December 13, 1933, to Toy and Mary Medley. She died peacefully on the evening of Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Hospice of Laramie in Laramie, Wyo.

Margaret was one of six siblings, including brothers, Willard, Luke, and Richard Medley, and sisters, Marie Werkmeister and Emma Ryan, all of whom have preceded her in death.

In 1939, Margaret's family relocated from Harrison County to Casmalia, Calif. Her father Toy worked for the railroad and later ran the family farm. Margaret often spoke of the one room community church, Casmalia Community Church at Medley Chapel, that her family built to provide the first church in the rural town.

Margaret graduated top of her class from Santa Maria High School in 1952, after which she studied English at the University of California Santa Barbara. She graduated in 1956 and married Wyoming native and Korean War veteran, James R. Mecca on November 11, 1956, in Santa Maria, Calif. The couple moved to Laramie, Wyo., in 1957, where Margaret taught English and journalism at Laramie Junior High and Laramie High School, while Jim attended the University of Wyoming.

In 1963, Margaret and Jim moved to Thermopolis with their two sons, Ernie and Scott. Margaret taught English at Thermopolis Junior High from 1963-1968, moving to Shoshoni High School from 1968-1969, and then at Hot Springs County High School from 1969-1977. She received the prestigious honor of Wyoming Teacher of the Year in 1975. Along with her husband Jim, she helped manage the Tepee Spa in Hot Springs State Park which served as the family business for 28 years. Later in life, she excelled in the role of a cheerful Mrs. Claus alongside her husband Jim, who worked as a professional Santa Claus in Oregon and Montana.

Margaret and Jim continued to call Thermopolis their home for 54 years. During this time one of Margaret's greatest joys was her work with the Order of Eastern Star (Past Worthy Matron, Vesper #19). She served faithfully in the order as a 50+ year member, being elected Wyoming Grand Chapter's Worthy Grand Matron in 1988. The memories she made during her travels as WGM were among her favorite in her adult life. Jim and Margaret returned to Laramie in October of 2017.

Margaret enjoyed traveling and serving with Eastern Star, teaching, and writing. A dedicated and convicted woman, she always sought to be a model Christian, daughter, student, teacher, mother, wife, and citizen and never strayed from her conviction to "do the right thing." She sacrificed much in her life in constant service to others. Her two children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren were her greatest joy and her mission field. Her primary legacy lives on through her descendants, to whom she never ceased to demonstrate her love for Christ. She will truly rest in peace.

Margaret is survived by her sons, Ernie (Cindy) of Laramie, Wyo., Scott (Lana) of Guthrie, Okla .; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Cremation was chosen, and Margaret will be laid to rest alongside her husband of 62 years at a private family ceremony at Greenhill Cemetery in Laramie. A Legacy and Celebration of Life in honor of Margaret will be hosted by Vesper Chapter No 19. OES on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 521 Arapahoe St. in Thermopolis. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations in memory of Jim and Margaret Mecca to: Hospice of Laramie, 1754 Centennial Drive, Laramie, WY, 82070, http://www.hospiceoflaramie.org.