Olive Marjorie Stillwagon

Olive “Midge” Marjorie Stillwagon, age 63 of Nashville, passed away Monday, October 1, 2012 at St. Thomas Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Midge, as her friends and family knew her, grew up in Uniontown, PA with her sister Gladys, daughters of the late Maude and Paul Porter. In high school, she met the love of her life, Bart, whom she would soon marry. Over the next 43 years, she diligently balanced work, play, and family. Several years ago, she retired from Crothall Services at Baptist Hospital where she worked as an office manager. Her favorite entertainer was Jimmy Buffett, and you could always count on Midge to enjoy some Jimmy, sun, sand, and “Margaritaville” times. Most importantly, her five wonderful children, and ten beautiful grandchildren are truly Midge’s legacy to the world. Her children were always first, and her family was her driving force. Midge was the glue that held her family together. Her warm heart, excellent hugs, and fun filled laugh will forever be with those who were blessed to know her. Arrangements for a memorial service are incomplete at this time. However, in lieu of flowers please make contributions to Southeastern Guide Dogs GuideDogs.org, or Wounded Warrior Project woundedwarriorproject.org. Survivors include her husband, Bart Stillwagon of Nashville; Son Christopher Stillwagon of Nashville; Daughters, Heather Stare, Jennifer Whitney, and Sarah Becerra, of San Diego, CA Rachel Berchick of Hollsopple, PA; ten grandchildren; and her sister, Gladys Van Sickle of North Huntingdon, PA. Saturday, October 20, 2012, at Bellevue United Methodist Church, 7501 Old Harding Pike, Nashville, Tn 37221 615-646-4146. Visitation and refreshments at 1:00PM in the church reception hall, followed by the Memorial Service – A Celebration of Life, in the church sanctuary.
Cremation Society of Tennessee is in charge of local arrangements. Dear Friends & Family, As those who knew her can attest, there were few things Midge loved more than some good music from Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band – that with the possible exception some beach time, or her Flamingos, or her Mouse collection. For years she tried to get to a Jimmy concert, but we never were able to make the available dates work, or get tickets, or find the concerts at a convenient venue. Early this year, we learned of a concert scheduled for Miami – and it was during one of our regular Miami vacations! You would have thought I was presenting her with the Crown Jewels when I handed her the tickets. We attended the concert, with all the trimmings including the pre and post parties. These are famous events that true Parrotheads don’t miss! Forward to darker timesMidge has always been a giver, and would not miss the chance to help others in need. On Monday evening, after Midge had been declared brain dead, we were approached by two people who work for a government agency which is responsible for securing viable organs for transplantation. They came in because they had heard of Midge’s case, and knew she would be a promising candidate. This is something that Midge would have wanted, and therefore we gave permission. With them were two nurses who reviewed a long and complex questionnaire which asked about Midge’s medical history. The last several questions seemed very strange. They asked for her favorite musical personality! Of course, we answered Jimmy Buffett. Then they asked if she liked a particular song! Yes, it’s Margaritaville. We understand that the surgical transplant team has a practice of beginning the operation with a moment of prayer, and then the surgery beginsin this case, to the strains of Margaritaville. Midge would have loved that! -Bart Stillwagon