Margaret “Maggie,” “Meg” E. Brockway
Margaret “Maggie,” “Meg” E. Brockway, 87, of Onaway, died peacefully Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Medilodge of Gaylord. Born in Detroit October 26, 1937, she was the daughter of William and Ruth (Crawford) Campbell. “Maggie” or “Meg,” as she was called, was raised in Onaway, graduated from Onaway High School in the class of 1955, and went on to further her education at Alma. It was at Alma where she met her soulmate, Leon “Lee” Brockway. They were married September 9, 1961, in Swartz Creek. Lee made his career in the Army and with his duty stations frequently changing, Meg and Lee moved often, however, Onaway was always home. Meg and Lee eventually returned to northern Michigan to make their home on the farm where Meg was raised in Onaway.
Meg worked for many years as a nurse before shifting gears to work as a schoolteacher. During the years she and Lee lived in Illinois, Meg taught foreign language (French and Spanish) and biology. And though she worked hard as a compassionate nurse and a wonderful teacher, Meg’s true calling was being a devoted wife and mother and making a loving home for her family. Content with simple pleasures, Meg loved going for walks on the farm where she always seemed to find a new rock to add to her continually growing collection. With a tender place in her heart for animals, she loved her cats and Lee’s horses, and enjoyed feeding the birds.
Meg’s greatest passion was bringing people to know the Lord. She was a longtime member of Onaway Baptist Chapel prior to joining Joy Community Church. She taught Sunday School, played the piano for church services, and sang in the church choir. Meg touched the lives of many children with her involvement in church activities for the youth. She taught stories and lessons from the Bible by leading pageants and plays, which the children would perform for the congregation. Bringing children to know Jesus was something Meg firmly believed in leading her to author three Christian books for children, “David, The Son of Jesse,” “A Man of God,” and “God’s Super Heroes, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” A woman of unwavering faith, Meg read the Bible, prayed, and hosted Bible studies at her home.
Meg was a loving wife and best friend to her husband of nearly 59 years. She nurtured her children and raised them to know God, to be hardworking, and to have respect and compassion for others. She couldn’t have been prouder of her son, Steve, and daughter, Liz, and the grandchildren they gave her to love. Meg’s grandchildren, who lovingly called her “MooMoo.” filled her heart with joy. Meg was a beautiful soul with a warm smile. She accepted everyone with an open heart and carried herself with dignity, strength and grace. Her legacy, exemplified by her love for the Lord, her love and support of her family, and her love and empathy for others will inspire and guide those she leaves behind.
She is survived by her son, Steve (Jan) Brockway of Twin Lakes, Wisconsin; a daughter, Liz (Scot) Szymoniak of Onaway; grandchildren, Brooklynn (Michael) Willett of Mount Pleasant, Lexi (Tommy) Auger of Millersburg, Jacob Brockway and Maddy Brockway, both of Twin Lakes; as well as two great-grandsons. Also su
Meg was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Brockway, in 2020; a sister, Patricia Tucker; stepsisters, Dorothy “Faye” Bush, Jean Ballard and Donna Ballard McCarrick; stepbrothers, Bob and John Campbell; and her parents.
Meg’s family will receive friends at Joy Community Church Saturday, September 6, from 2 p.m. until the time of her memorial service beginning at 4 p.m. The Rev. Chris Rasper will officiate. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.
Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a contribution in memory of Margaret Brockway to the God Squad.
