Margrit Heydemann was born on March 24, 1935, and passed suddenly and quickly on October 4, 2015.

Margrit, known as Oma (grandmother in German) to her children and grandchildren, was born in Sangerhausen, East Germany to Meta and Volkmar. As a young girl, she survived the trauma of the Second World War and its aftermath. In the 1950's, she was allowed to travel to West Germany to study to become a dental assistant. There she met Peter Heydemann, whom she married on January 6, 1959. Her son Christian was born on July 6, 1962 and daughter Ahlke on January 8, 1964. The family immigrated to Maryland in 1964. In 1971, Margrit and Peter purchased a large townhome in the new community of Montgomery Village near Gaithersburg, MD, a home they would own for 35 years. The Heydemann home was always known for welcoming friends to dinner or tea, everyone celebrating the amazing dinners and desserts that Margrit single-handedly prepared, even for larger gatherings.

From 1988 to 1993, Peter and Margrit lived in New Delhi, India. Peter and Margrit divorced in 1996, and in 2006 Mom sold the townhouse and moved to Redmond, WA, near Chris and Lisa Heydemann. There she enjoyed a new home in a wonderful senior community.

Her last weeks were in a close, vibrant independent living community in Wilsonville, OR, just 10 minutes from Lisa and Chris. In her apartment she was surrounded with things that brought her joy, and she had family very close. We visited her every few days, to go to breakfast or dinner, to go shopping. She met some fantastic, friendly people that she already described as friends. She was very happy socializing, participating in cultural activities. Lisa last talked to her on Friday; Mom was looking forward to Ahlke's visit at the end of October.

Oma is survived by her children, Chris Heydemann and his wife Lisa of Portland, OR, and Ahlke Heydemann of Chicago, IL, her grandchildren Evan and Mia Heydemann.

Margrit will continue to live in the thoughts and memories of her dear friends and family in Portland, Chicago, Maryland, Germany and Finland. A private service will be held in the future. Please remember Margrit with a contribution to Doctors Without Borders.