Margaret L. Saviano    Margaret Lois Saviano, 86, of Portage, WI died at home, per her wishes on July 27, 2013 with her children at her side. She continued to live a full and vibrant life while fighting metastasized lung cancer although she had never smoked a day in her life.    Mom was born March 18, 1927 in Cassville, Missouri to Estel and Verna (Bishop) Beeson. She was the oldest of five children. After high school Margaret made the big move to the big city of Kansas City, Missouri where she worked for Western Union. While working, she met and married Ernest J. Saviano, Sr. on January 31, 1949 and they were married 41 years. They lived in various states and moved to Portage, Wisconsin in September 1968 and she continued to live there after her husband's death in 1990.    Margaret had seven children and was a mother who made three homemade meals a day and was home at all times to handle any illness, problem, or provide transportation for her kids' events. She was a great Italian cook, having learned the trade from her in-laws. She always made a comment that her hands smelled like garlic and onions because of the Italian meals she made. She would also joke that she could be found in the kitchen or in the basement doing laundry-and a lot of laundry there was! Being a mother to seven children was a hard job, but we always had a packed school lunch, meals on the table, clean and ironed clothes, and a spotless house.    For years Margaret had quite a garden and canned her own vegetables-a trait she passed onto her children. She loved shopping for antiques and could spend hours looking through antique malls. She traveled throughout the US and Europe and had a passion for collecting Italian mosaic jewelry, roosters frogs, and violin bottles and acquired quite a collection. For years she has been a member of the NRA; she became a Green Bay Packer fan and would watch their games whenever possible. Margaret belonged to the Railroad Women's Club, and participated in the local blood drive. Up until a couple years ago she worked as an usher at the Crystal Grand in Wisconsin Dells, and also worked part time at the American Doll Factory. She became involved in ceramics at Creation's Ceramics in Rio and became quite a marvelous painter of various ceramics-many of which she gave as gifts. She was a dedicated animal advocate and there was no domesticated or wild animal that she did not like or help. She brought baby squirrels into the house to feed them, and let an opossum sleep on a blanket in the garage. She was a member of the ASPCA, Best Friends (an animal rescue in Kanab, UT), the Doris Day Animal Foundation and contributed to many other animal organizations, as well as cancer societies.    Margaret may have been 86 years of age physically, but throughout the years she said that she never caught up with her age mentally. She was outgoing, adventurous, vivacious, kind, had a sense of humor and was liked and remembered by all that came in contact with her. She expressed unconditional love to all.    Margaret is survived by her seven children; Toni Saviano-Labes (Rich), CA, Ernie Saviano Jr., Denice (Tom) Lash, CA, Donna Saviano, Chris "Scott" Saviano (Carrie), WI, Candace Saviano (Art), WI, Mark Saviano (Natalie), WI. She is further survived by her brothers and sister: Glen (Lavelle) Beeson, MO, Delores Ballard, MO, Darlene (Jerry) Hastings, OK and Milton (Bee) Beeson, MO. Her surviving grandchildren include Sheena, Shawnee, Hannah, Stephanie, Tina, Debra, Tyler and Tiffany. She is also survived by many other cousins, and great grandchildren. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Saviano, Sr., parents Estel and Verna Beeson, grandsons Ronnie Rist Jr., Daniel Titley, Joseph Marselle and two great grandchildren Cassandra and Caitlyn Rusk.    Margaret was able to remain at home due to the efforts of her children and many others who cared for her, or just sat with her so she would not be alone. A special thanks to Marilyn, Denise, Chris, Vicki, Judy, Kelly, Ashley, Tim, Dawn, Mona and Jacci- the staff at Home Health United Hospice. Sorry if we forgot anyone. Thanks to her friends Betty, Rose, and Fran for coming over to visit or just sit with mom. You were not only a comfort to the family, but she appreciated you being with her during her last months. Although our mother has gone to heaven, she forever remains in our heart and will be sorely missed here on Earth. Her Loving Children    In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an animal rescue organization or the cancer society. This is a celebration of mom's life so feel free to wear bright colors. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. at the Picha Funeral Home in Portage. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11 A.M. until the time of service at 1:00 P.M. The Picha Funeral Home and Crematory of Portage, Wisconsin assisted the family with arrangements. Service Details. Visitation

Picha Funeral Home

302 E. Conant Street Portage, WI 53901

Wednesday, July 31, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Service

Picha Funeral Home

302 E. Conant Street

Portage, WI 53901

Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.