08/06/2025
Marge was a hygienist at our office for 36 years. It is with great sadness that we share this news.
Margaret “Marge” Rachel Jocelyn
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February 8, 1942, August 2, 2025
Margaret Rachel (Perzel) Jocelyn
February 2, 1942 – August 2, 2025
Margaret Rachel Jocelyn, affectionately known as “Marge” to her many friends, peacefully transitioned while praying the rosary with her daughter on August 2, 2025. She started in life as she finished it – a little sweet and with a little spice.
Born and raised in Northeast Minneapolis, Marge was immensely proud of her roots and carried that neighborhood’s spirit of resilience throughout her remarkable life. She was a fighter for her faith, freedom, and her family – three pillars that defined her extraordinary life journey.
She graduated from Edison High School in 1960, then went on to studies at the University of Minnesota. She embraced her identity as a proud Golden Gopher, earning her degree in 1963 as a dental hygienist. Life took an unexpected turn when she found herself as a single parent with four young children to raise on her own. With remarkable grit, determination, and independence, she sacrificed more than anyone could imagine to provide for her family.
In 1975, Marge and her kids moved to St. Michael, Minnesota, where she became a member of the St. Michael Catholic Church and became deeply involved in her parish community as a reader, eucharistic minister, and religion class instructor. Her compassion touched countless lives over the years as she selflessly gave of her time, treasures, and talents.
Beyond her faith, Marge was an active bowler and dedicated Minnesota Vikings fan who never missed watching a game. She had a special love for youth and high school hockey, beaming with pride when her grandson won the MN state high school hockey tournament in 2024. Her home was her sanctuary, which she shared with two cats, even when they pretended not to return her affection.
As a getaway from time to time, she very much enjoyed spending time at the cabin. She also loved to travel, tend to her flower garden, watch the birds and nature’s rhythms… and she found time to read more books than most people. And then there was Neil… yes, that Neil (Diamond, that is). She went to see him in person at his concerts many times over the years. Marge knew a level of deep contentment from enjoying life to its fullest that remains an inspiration to all who knew her.
Marge’s professional dedication was legendary. She set a goal to work as a practicing dental hygienist until age 72 – and she achieved it. For over four decades, she served patients at the Buffalo Dental Group, spanning an incredible 51-year career. During her final years, she worked part-time while unknowingly battling the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Just one week after her retirement in 2014, the tremors she had courageously fought finally emerged. Her unstoppable drive had carried her to her goal. Marge for many years was actively involved in the Minnesota Dental Hygienist Association where she held many offices, and won numerous awards.
The last decade brought new challenges as Parkinson’s gradually limited her mobility – from walking to using a walker, then a wheelchair, followed by a stroke in June 2025 that left her completely dependent on others. As a result, she learned profound lessons in humility and patience, facing each stage with the same grace and resolve that had defined her life.
Margaret’s legacy lives on in her family, whom she supported unconditionally in all their goals and dreams. She leaves behind many friends and loved ones who will miss her physical presence but carry her spirit in their hearts forever. To all who knew her, Marge was a wonderful example of how to live life fully; they treasured every visit and moment spent in her company.
Her life stands as a testament to the power of faith, the strength of independence, and the endless depths of a mother’s love.
Marge is survived by her children: Paul (Sharon), Mark (Peggy), Kari (Chuck), Kevin; grandchildren, Amy (Craig), Jeremy, Zach, Elizabeth (Charlie), Maddie, Jack, Andrew, Ellie, Gavin, Lleyton, and Preston, and great grandchildren; Eli, Lucille, Charlotte and Addie; and many other friends and relatives.
Preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Suzanna (Kocisko) Perzel and siblings: Ann (Ed) Gromek, Joe (Pat and Donna) Perzel, Helen (Ed) Gable, John (Norma) Perzel, Mary Sue (Ted) Morton, George (Patti) Perzel, daughter-in-law Tricia Jocelyn, and nephew Gerard Gable.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Margaret “Marge” Jocelyn will be held on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at The St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 12th from 9:00 A.M. until time of Mass.
Entombment will follow at the St. Michael Cemetery Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Michael Catholic Church https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/stmcatholicchurch – Click the Memorial Fund.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com
