Family, friends, colleagues and former students are invited to share their memories, reflections, stories, messages of condolences in honor of Margaret Tillery. Your words will be published here as a lasting tribute and may be shared at her celebration of life.
(To add your message, scroll to the bottom of this page and use the box provided. Please provide your name when leaving your message)
Some of her colleagues who are still working at the Learning Assistance Program recently shared the following sentiments with Dr. Walthers, Allan Hancock College Superintendent/President:
Margaret was so much more than a colleague to those who were fortunate to work with her. Her Learning Assistance Program (LAP) family is deeply saddened to learn of her passing. For us, she is our champion and we all still ask ourselves what Margaret would have said or done when faced with adversity as a program. Margaret was one of the first faculty members who started LAP and our campus and students will be forever indebted to her for having the vision to create a progressive and inclusive program. She was a dear friend to all and an educator who always nurtured the teaching and learning relationship. Margaret exemplified excellence and was a driving force for education initiatives both at AHC and statewide. She spearheaded numerous campus initiatives, served as a commissioner for accreditation, advocated for students with disabilities and did all of this with such grace, intelligence, kindness, and respect for all. Our hearts are broken, and we will continue to honor Margaret in the work we do at LAP.
2 responses to “Share your Memories and Condolences”
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In 2000, my husband David Studwell and I moved to Santa Maria to join the PCPA Theatre acting company. Not long after, Jack reached out to me about a possible collaboration between my students and his English class at AHC. While that project did not come to fruition, it inspired a friendship that has lasted until this day. Jack and Margaret invited us (two complete strangers) to their house for dinner– and it felt like the reunion of four long-lost friends. For the next seven years, we shared dinners at our homes, walks at Avila, and post-show deep and lively discussions. Some of our most joy-filled memories of our years in Santa Maria (and ensuing visits) are David and I sitting at the breakfast bar on Stonewood Court, sipping wine while Margaret whipped up some amazing meal and Jack did his best to act as sous chef. Margaret was one of the most elegant, witty, brilliant, and kind women I have ever known. I deeply admired her and aspired to be like her (always falling short!) David and I grieve the passing of our beautiful friend, and are holding Jack and their children and grandchildren in our hearts.
Kathleen Mulligan
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I have so many fond memories of my dear friend, Margaret. I was fortunate to have an office right across the hall from her and enjoyed the on going conversations we had each time our doors were open. I looked forward to each day knowing she would say something that made me smile, something that made me laugh and something that made me think. She taught me so many valuable lessons.
For the last few days a memory that I’ve been recalling frequently , with a smile on my face, is going with her each year to the Fine Arts Ceramics sale. We would go early because Margaret wanted to be one of the first there so that she could buy one of the cute ceramic cats made by a local artist to add to her collection in her lovely backyard garden. Her smile was so bright when she found a new one.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to Margaret’s family, friends, and all those who love her.
Kerry Runkle
Margaret Tillery In Memoriam 
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