Margaret Orloske
It is not easy to prepare an entire Thanksgiving meal, from turkey to pies, over an open fire. But every year, Margaret Quinn Orloske made it look easy. Using only cast iron pots, trivets and a brick oven, Mrs. Orloske and her husband, Duane, cooked their Thanksgiving dinner — and many other meals — in the cooking hearth of their home, a reproduction of an 18th-century house with period details but modern appliances.

A lifelong American history buff, Mrs. Orloske was transported daily from the world of five-count ovens and antique woodwork to one of electronic networks and information management, as she traveled two and a half hours each way to her job as a vice president at Marsh & McLennan.

Mrs. Orloske enjoyed her work enough to make the commute, but she also loved returning to her dream home in Windsor, Conn. "I think the 18th century was her refuge," Mr. Orloske said. "It was such a contrast to what her everyday life was like."

A former librarian, Mrs. Orloske, 50, was a born organizer. The details of an annual trip in December were worked out by Labor Day.

"We even knew during the summer where we were going to eat every night," said her friend Jean Mayhew, who, with her husband, often visited historic places with the Orloskes and their son, Stephen, 19. "She was a most unusual woman," Mrs. Mayhew added. "No matter what she did, she did it well."

In December, Mrs. Orloske's former boss, Tim Brady, and his wife, Bernadette, had a daughter. They named her Margaret. As a gift, Mr. Orloske presented the couple with a quilt his wife, ever the planner, had picked out for them months before. "It's something she'll always be able to have," said Mr. Brady. "From a woman she'll never be able to meet."

Copyright (c) 2001 by The New York Times Co. Reprinted by permission.
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I sure appreciated Margaret's knowledge and research capabilities at Marsh. She helped me out many times when I worked in Detroit and no request was ever too difficult for her to dig into. I also taught a class with her and really respected her dedication and professionalism. How fitting is it that Margaret and Maureen are next to each other on the tribute list! Margaret, we miss you and will never forget you.
Lauri Hanson, Colleague
Sep 10 2011 8:34AM
I had the pleasure of meeting Margaret during the J&H Marsh merger time. Margaret was so kind to me as we worked together. I remember the first time she told me about her commute, and I could not believe it. Clearly, she was a dedicated, very capable employee, but also a loving wife and mother. You are missed and thought of often.
Julie Wilde, Colleague
Sep 8 2011 4:40PM
I knew Margaret only as a resource to me in the Detroit office; we spoke but never met But I feel I know her well in some ways becuase of the positive impact she had on my husband Michael's life. I met and married Michael when we both worked at Marsh. I then moved from Marsh to Aon and on that terrible day we both sat at home in front of our TV shocked that so many of our friends and colleagues were gone in an instant. The events of that day had a life-changing effect on my husband in a way that at first I did not realize. He did not feel at home anymore at Marsh, so much had changed. I understood because I knew many of the same people. But then when he came to me and told me of his desire to change careers - become a librian, and that Margaret was his inspiration, I was able to find some solace despite the loss of so many friends at both Marsh & Aon. I am writing this today because as I spoke with my husband this morning as we got ready for work and he talked about the Wayne State Holiday party for the Library Sciences group, I was pleased to hear him excited about being with his fellow employees. I watch him grow in his job and see the lives he has touched and I am proud. Our niece, Melanie, plans to become a librian "just like Uncle Mikey".

Thank you Margaret - for the part you have played in my husband's renewal.

Margaret Sensiba, Colleague
Dec 12 2007 12:57PM
Margaret, I am thinking of you today. I am now a full time librarian at Wayne State University, and have used your inspiration to make me what I am today. Bless you.
Michael C. Sensiba, Colleague
Sep 11 2006 1:48PM
Thinking of Margaret on this day - 5 years later. She was always a joy to work with. She is missed.
Russ St. Hilaire, Colleague
Sep 11 2006 10:03AM
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