“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming ‘Woo hoo – what a ride!’”Marge sent me this quote in an e-mail awhile ago... it was a forward that tickled her that day. It's an apt description for how she seized life and squeezed out the last drops. There truly wasn't an idle moment in her day. There were always several books to read, a knitting project, a sketchpad, a project on the loom, an art exhibit, a perennial to plant, a movie to see, a concert to attend, a recipe to experiment with, a friend to meet, a dog to walk, a dinner date, a farmer's market to scour, a drawing class, a trip to plan, a new wine to drink... We all have our adventures with Marge to remember and we're all the better for them.
Margaret A. Skreko, age 66, passed away suddenly leaving a wide circle of friends and family. After spending her youth in Illinois, she married, residing briefly in Kalamazoo, MI and Philadelphia, PA. For the last 38 years Marge made Indianapolis a better place, and led a life well-lived. She raised a family and immersed herself in the community as a visual artist, teacher, passionate cultural arts patron, volunteer, savvy businesswoman, beloved friend and mother.
Marge graduated from Quincy (IL) High School and then Bradley University, receiving a degree in painting and art history. She pursued graduate studies at Western Michigan University and later at The Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. Marge’s interest in texture re-directed her studies into textile design and weaving resulting in a career of more than 20 years as an exhibiting fiber artist.
Marge’s design line of hand-woven clothing sold through wholesale markets of the American Craft Council. She taught art and fibers in public schools, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Herron School of Art, and presented lectures and workshops throughout the country. After a foray into real estate brokering, Marge later designed colors, developed technical support and consumer education, published articles and created projects for Rit Dye, attaining Chairholder status in Color Marketing Group. A member of the Water Color Society of Indiana, Marge continued to draw and paint throughout her life, working in water media and making monoprints. Her work received many awards, was exhibited throughout the country and published in Quilting Arts Magazine. She also appeared in instructional DVDs and on PBS’s America Quilts and America Sews with Sue Hausmann. Her most recent show, presented by The Columbia Club Foundation in September 2009, was a solo exhibition of two-dimensional pieces inspired by recent roamings in the American southwest, South America, and Italy.
Marge’s interest in texture and fiber arts was a metaphor for her life. Masterful at weaving new friends with old, spinning threads of stimulating conversation, tending to and strengthening the connections, she ultimately crafted the warp and weft of warm friendships.
Books, food and the bond of friendship were the inspiration for Marge in founding the “Chili, Chowder and Spaghetti Literary Society”, and they've met every six weeks for 25 years. Intensely moved by classical music, Marge could always be found in thoughtful and expansive conversations after Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra concerts and Metropolitan Opera Theater broadcasts. An eager and ambitious traveler, she gathered inspiration from China, India, Turkey, North and South America, and Europe.
Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Skreko. She is survived by her daughter Caroline Calnek; son-in-law David Calnek; three grandchildren, Charlotte, Rachel and Tucker Calnek of Atlanta, GA; her son Ted Skreko, a violinmaker in Indianapolis; and devoted, loving friends far and wide.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, October 23 at 2 PM at her home. For details click here.
