Margot Fisette died peacefully of old age, surrounded by her three children, on November 26, 2024 at the age of 91. She was born on April 16, 1933, the eldest child of Paul and Emma Berdanier of Westchester County, New York.
Margot was a precocious and active young girl. She played lacrosse and tennis - continuing with tennis and golf well into her 60s. She attended Friends Academy and Beaver College.
Margot left college to marry her husband Major Gerald (Jerry) Fisette. Over their 59-year marriage, they moved from Long Island to the Pittsburgh suburb of Peters Township, then back to Katonah, New York. They retired in Richardson, Texas and then for several years in Lynchburg, Virginia. Jerry died in 2014 and she missed him terribly. The last eight years of her life she lived with her son Paul and his wife Nancy in Allen, Texas.
Margot was loving and lovable, insecure and capable. Despite battling her childhood demons, she succeeded in loving one man her entire life. She was 100% committed to her three kids and strove throughout her life to support and protect them. When asked, she consistently expressed that her proudest achievement was her three children and their families.
Margot hated to swim, and rarely put on a bathing suit after meeting her future husband at the Westchester Country Club - yet raised a family of competitive swimmers.
Margot was a great self-taught cook and perfected a killer spaghetti sauce. She loved kale, grapefruit and hot dogs, rejected cucumbers and canned green beans, and became a huge fan of peach iced tea. Even at 95 pounds, she was a good eater up till the end.
Margot had fun playing bridge. She had a talent for drawing and art, and a keen eye for interior design and men’s ties. She had style, and always dressed beautifully - often in a Chicos ensemble. People would stop her to compliment her classy mint green nail polish! And her wry sense of humor got even better with age.
Margot and Jerry explored the world together, especially after dad retired. They travelled well together, on a light budget, often hopping on available military planes. Their adventures included Australia, Japan, Tunisia, much of Europe and Mexico. They took the family to the Munich and Montreal Olympics. Hawaii was their special spot, where they celebrated their 50th anniversary with the family.
A huge 90th birthday bash was held for the family matriarch on her 90th birthday at a Texas VRBO lake house in 2023. She rose to the occasion and was the perfect center of attention!
Margot is survived by her three children, Jay Fisette, 68 (Bob Rosen) of Arlington, Virginia, Lynne Salvaggio, 66 (Mark) of Concord, North Carolina, and Paul Fisette, 64 (Nancy) of Allen, Texas, sister, Lynne Nardelli of Yorktown Heights, New York, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Margot will be laid to rest with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery in Spring 2025. Details to be added shortly.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.