WILMINGTON — Margaret L. Stream, aged 100, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina, after a period of declining health. Born on October 21, 1924, in Potomac, Maryland, Margaret lived a full century filled with laughter, love, and an unwavering affection for life’s simple pleasures.
Throughout her life, Margaret was a devoted homemaker, always opening her doors to friends and neighbors alike. Her welcoming spirit was like a constant beacon, drawing people near with the warmth of her kindness and the joy of her company. Hospitality was not merely a duty for her but rather a delightful expression of who she was.
A lover of nature, Margaret found great joy in nurturing plants and flowers, with roses holding a particularly special place in her heart. Her garden was her sanctuary, where she cultivated beauty and serenity, much as she sowed seeds of love and friendship throughout her lifetime.
Margaret relished the thrill of bingo nights and cherished trips to Atlantic City to test her luck at gambling. Yet it was in the aisles of a grocery store that her gift for connection truly shone—Margaret never met a stranger. A conversation with her, whether brief or long, left others feeling valued and seen.
Her zest for life also manifested in her love for shopping and cooking, where she delighted in creating delectable dishes while discovering new treasures to share with her loved ones.
Margaret’s life was marked by deep love after she was bereaved by her husband, Marshall R. Stream; her parents, Harry Vernon Embrey and Lottie Burroughs Embrey; six brothers; and one sister. She is survived by her children, Gary Marshall Stream and Connie Lee Craddock, as well as a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will continue to carry her legacy of love and warmth forward.
Per Margaret’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. Her family invites those who knew her to honor her memory in their own way, perhaps by planting a rose, enjoying a round of bingo, or simply engaging in conversation with a stranger.
Margaret L. Stream leaves behind a tapestry woven with the threads of compassion and joy. In her century of life, she demonstrated how a simple smile and open heart could touch countless lives. Her spirit will forever blossom in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
