Margaret "Maggie" Ann (Tator) Vogt

Margaret “Maggie” Ann Tator Vogt, 81, died February 23, 2023 in the company of her loving and devoted husband of 59 years, James W. “Jim” Vogt. Born in Poughkeepsie, NY on November 28, 1941, she was the daughter of the late William E. Tator and the late Margaret M. Tator.

Maggie graduated from Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park, NY in 1959, where she was a cheerleader, member of the National Thespian Society and the National Poet’s Society, featured in many school plays, and by many accounts danced a great jitterbug. She attended Dutchess Community College in Fairview, NY, where she obtained an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science graduating at the top of the first class. She worked in a dental practice for 2 years. During this time she grew close to her future husband, Jim Vogt, and they were married October 5, 1963. Maggie and Jim lived for a brief time in Sycamore, IL but quickly realized that they wanted to start a family and wanted their children to be close to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. They settled in Litchfield, Connecticut, a short drive from extended family in eastern NY, and raised their two children, Jennifer and James (JT). Work opportunities resulted in a move to Union, SC in 1978, followed several years later by a move to Forest City, NC where they lived for 35 years. Maggie and Jim had recently moved to Athens, GA.

Maggie was a lifelong reader, instilling a love for reading in her children at an early age. She was also an avid writer, penning a large collection of original poetry. Maggie’s passion for the literary arts touched others as she devoted time as an adult literacy volunteer. Prior to that, she served as a Cub Scout den mother. While living in NC, Maggie and Jim became avid traditional archers and both contributed a great deal of time and energy to the Carolina Traditional Archers (CTA) club, winning several competition trophies. Her passion for the fellowship of traditional archery was keenly felt by her friends in CTA, and her love of the sport extended to helping children and newcomers learn the craft. She also volunteered countless hours to the management of club affairs, serving in several roles. Maggie also loved to fish, a love that grew from her early experiences fishing with her father.

Maggie derived great joy from cooking for family and friends, and seeing people enjoy her creations. If you were in her life, whether hairdresser, mutual member of an organization, or simply a neighbor or friend, chances are you experienced Maggie’s love and generosity through a homemade dessert. She loved a good joke and could tell a great joke. She enjoyed cross stitch, and many beautiful and intricate reminders of that love adorn the walls of family and friends. Earlier in life she enjoyed bowling and golfing with friends including the late Joanie Burns, who was and is terribly missed.

In addition to finding many ways to give back to the community, Maggie was a devoted homemaker, mother, and wife. She was a constant, steadfast, and loving presence in her family’s life.

In addition to her parents, Maggie was preceded in death by one brother, Bill Tator, and a grandson, Henry James Choate.

In addition to her husband Jim, Maggie is survived by her two children – Jennifer (Husband Gerald) and JT (Wife Karen); her three grandchildren – Katherine Choate, Samantha Fleenor, James M. Vogt; her great grandchild – Christian Fleenor; her sisters Barbara Jean O’Connell and Lisabeth Downes; her brothers David Tator and John Tator; and many nieces and nephews.

There are no arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Taylor Hooton Foundation, www.taylorhooton.org

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com