Margaret Sue Trapani

Margaret Sue (Drake) Trapani, beloved mother, nana, and lifelong educator, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, in Lombard, Illinois, at the age of 89.

Born on April 26, 1936, in Newman, Illinois, Margaret dedicated her life to teaching and touched the lives of countless students over the course of her remarkable 40-year career. She attended the Newman Elementary school and graduated from Newman High School in 1954. After high school, she went on to study at Eastern Illinois University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1959. After graduating, she moved to southern California and taught for 5 years before moving back to Newman in 1968 and started teaching in the fall of 1968. Her love for learning and her deep compassion for others made her a respected teacher, cherished friend and mentor to many.

Margaret was a devoted mother to her children, Michelle (Micki) Trapani and Michael Trapani (wife Michelle), and a proud nana to Emma, Nicholas and Chris. Her family was the heart of her world, and she found great joy in watching her children and grandchildren grow and thrive.

She will be remembered for her gentle strength, unwavering patience, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. Margaret leaves behind a legacy of love, education, and quiet resilience that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She also carried on the tradition from her mother, Thelma, of the infamous "apricot cookies" that so many in Newman enjoyed and looked forward too every Christmas.

She was preceded in death by her father, Oscar, mother Thelma, brothers Clell and Jim and nephew Larry.

A memorial service will be held to honor her November 15th at the Newman Community Center, 207 S. Coffin St., from 2pm to 5pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Margaret's name to a local school or literacy program of your choice.

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