Obituary of Margaret Louise Thacker

ROCHESTER, NY - March 31, 2026

Margaret Louise Thacker, a beloved and devoted mother, grandmother, and pillar of the Rochester community, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, in Rochester, New York, at the age of 87. Her life was marked by unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and those in need.

Margaret was born on September 28, 1938, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, to Joseph Flowers and Lucille Goings. As the eldest of seven siblings, she quickly learned the values of responsibility, compassion, and leadership. Raised in Rochester, New York, Margaret excelled academically and graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1956. Soon after, she married her high school sweetheart, James Thacker. Their union was blessed with four children: James Jr., Margaret, Gregory, and Tiara. As a dedicated military spouse, Margaret supported James through each chapter of his service, managing family life with grace and resilience. After James’s passing, Margaret returned to Rochester, where she welcomed her youngest child, Robert, and continued to build a loving home.

Margaret is predeceased by her beloved husband, James; her parents, Joseph and Lucille; her brother Kenneth; and two of her children, James and Margaret. She is survived by her loving children Gregory, Tiara, and Robert (Sabrina); her devoted siblings Francis, Betty, Shirley, Annette, and Clyde (Deborah); fifteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and a large, supportive extended family of nieces and nephews. Her legacy of kindness and perseverance lives on through them.

Margaret was a dedicated employee of the Association for the Blind, where she worked for 42 years before retiring in 2015. During her long and impactful career, she touched countless lives with her compassion and commitment to helping others. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Margaret found immense joy in fishing, perfecting her culinary skills, and, most importantly, spending treasured time with her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that friends and loved ones honor Margaret’s memory by performing a small act of kindness for someone living with dementia. Such gestures will continue the legacy of empathy and service that defined her life.