Margaret E. Wahl; Retired From Naval Center

Margaret Elizabeth Wahl died Tuesday at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard after a long illness. She was 78.

Wahl was born July 31, 1920, in Lewistown, Mont., to Severin and Josefine Westre. She graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland, Ore., and Pacific Business College. She was an active member of Evangelical Free Church, where, on Dec. 4, 1948, she married Stanley J. Wahl.

The couple made their home in Astoria, Ore., where they had met and worked at Tongue Point Naval Base. While in Astoria, they had three daughters.

When the base closed, the Wahls moved to Oxnard, where they lived for 38 years. Both worked at the Naval Construction Battalion Center at Port Hueneme. Wahl worked in the Supply Department from 1966 to 1980.

During their retirement the Wahls often traveled to their second home in the Pacific Northwest to visit relatives and friends. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December.

Wahl volunteered with the Girl Scouts, PTA and Gray Lady Hospital Volunteers. She was a church member and enjoyed teaching Sunday school and playing piano for services.

Wahl is survived by her husband and her three daughters and sons-in-law: Linda and Tim Pedersen of Dublin, Calif., Carol and Walt Philipp of Oxnard; and Nancy and Sadik Dakar of Bellevue, Wash. She leaves behind seven grandchildren: Ryan, Christopher and Matthew Pedersen; Megan, Adam and Lindsay Philipp; and Deanna Dakar. She is also survived by a sister, Signe McCracken of Portland.

Private graveside services were held Friday at Ivy Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the American Cancer Society or another organization.