Our dear Mother, Margaret Simcoe-Billman, 88 years old, of Omaha, Nebraska passed away Wednesday, July 19th. She was born in Slough, England July 2, 1935 to Bernard and Mona Makin.

Margaret grew up in the beautiful, rolling hills of Cheltenham, England. She was the oldest of 5 children. She often called herself and brother John the "before the war" babies and her 3 other brothers, Bill, Jim and Dave the "after the war" babies! Margaret shared amazing stories of hiding in bomb shelters and rationing food during World War II. All her life she loved and was proud of her British heritage. And, that included anything about the Royal family.

Margaret became a United States Air force wife at the young age of 19. This is when she began her family with children, Rick, Dave and Ruthanne. She proudly led the military wife role as she and her family were stationed all around the states and Europe. She settled at Offutt Air Force base in Bellevue in 1970.

Things Margaret loved: She was a woman of Fashion! She always had a matching outfit with shoes, purse, gloves and jewelry. And, always very colorful! The brighter the better!! Margaret was also a fantastic cook! She loved hosting dinner parties and sharing left-overs with everyone. No one was going home without a full meal to have the next night. She was an avid reader. Margaret loved her children. She was always there for them. Actually, she was a mother to many. Our friends, neighbors and fellow employees. Margaret loved Jeopardy...she loved to laugh, dance and a good Old Fashioned cocktail!

Margaret was a dynamic, hard working employee of Brandeis (eventually Younkers) at Southroads, Crossroads, Westroads and Oak View. Eventually she worked at Dillards. She was quite the salesperson. She was a "go getter" in the woman's clothing dept. where she won many sales awards.

Margaret married Air Force Major, Chuck Billman (deceased 12/9/2015), September 17, 1976. Chuck was a quiet, gentle soul and Margaret a feisty, social butterfly. Opposites attract! They brought out the best in each other. After living in Papillion for almost 20 years, Margaret and Chuck retired in Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1995. She loved it there. She continued her retail work at "Belks" in Fayettville, Arkansas. She was a dedicated neighbor and known for her wonderful Kahlua cakes which she gave out during the Christmas season.

Margaret spent her last 8 years here in Omaha near her family. She battled Alzheimer's disease with courage, frustration and even humor. She lived with family and a variety of Memory Care facilities. She had a special light and energy about her wherever she was. All were touched by it. A special acknowledgment to "Legato Living", her last Memory Care facility. All staff treated her with dignity, love and respect. We are forever grateful.

Margaret is preceded in death by her husband Chuck Billman, of Bella Vista. Her parents, Bernard and Mona Makin. Her Brothers John, Bill and Dave Makin. All from Cheltenham, England.

She is survived by her loving children, sons Richard Simcoe, Dave Simcoe (both from Dallas) and daughter Ruthanne (Simcoe) Mantini (Dana) and granddaughters Anna and Maggie from Omaha, NE. Margaret is also survived by many in Cheltenham, England including: Brother Jim (Sue), Sister in laws, Ellen and Kate and many niece and nephews.

There will be a "Celebration of Life" party for Margaret Saturday, August 5th 5:00pm – 7:30pm at Jams (West) restaurant Legacy lounge, 171st and Center. There will be food, beverages and lots of stories and laughter. Charitable contributions can be made to Legato Living Legacy Memory Care. Online condolences may be made to nebraskacremation.com