Margaretha (Margaret) Andlauer passed away August 13 at a Guadalajara hospital at the age of 89.
Born June 24, 1924 in Kappel-Grafenhausen in the upper Rhine valley, halfway between Freiburg and Strassburg, Germany, Andlauer completed professional training in domestic management. She married her husband Ludwig in 1951 and together they ran an agricultural establishment in Kirchzarten, east of Freiburg in the Black Forest. During this time they raised numerous foster children. Andlauer lost her husband in 1977 but continued to run the farm by herself until multiple sclerosis forced her into a wheelchair.
In 1990 Andlauer emigrated to Texas to seek different treatments for her condition. After learning about the beneficial climate of the Lake Chapala area, she moved there in 1995. The change was beneficial and once settled she was able to walk again.
Andlauer became quite involved with the local community. She always said her work with children was what kept her young at heart. She was a volunteer with the equine therapy group in La Floresta, a member of Needle Pushers and knit untold quantities of baby hats, booties and teddy bears for Mi Bebe y Yo Lakeside and other organizations. She also donated her mini van to Casa de Ancianos.
Andlauer was a great artist and made fantastic doilies and curtains using the art of knitting. She could often be seen driving her golf cart through the narrow streets of San Antonio Tlayacapan and Ajijic as she went shopping. She loved gardening and played a mean hand of cards, often smiling to herself while winning. She will be missed.