Margaret Milburn
Jan. 7, 1936 – May 9, 2025
Margaret Joan (pronounced “Jo-Ann,” as she reminded thousands in her lifetime) Rawstern
Milburn was reunited with her beloved husband, parents, siblings and friends, and her
savior when she passed away on May 9, 2025.
Her life was a rich tapestry of purpose, family and love and she will be fiercely missed by
her children Bob (Tram), Connie (Ned), and Patrick (Susie); grandchildren Rorie (Marc),
Reilly, Allison and Evan; sister Ellen and countless nieces, nephews and friends.
Joan was born on Jan. 7, 1936, in a small town in South Dakota. She tragically lost
her father at the age of 7, prompting her mother to relocate the four children to Medford.
She spent her formative years in the pear orchards, playing in Bear Creek with
her many cousins and siblings, hiking Table Rock and growing up in the loving embrace
of an enormous and rather exuberant extended family.
Joan attended Southern Oregon State College, where she met her future husband, OD
Milburn. They enjoyed movie dates, taking walks in Lithia Park, debating philosophy,
eating at Omar’s, and being educated by Angus Bowmer, the founder of the Oregon
Shakespearian Festival.
They soon married and moved back to OD’s hometown of Sweet
Home, where they raised their three children, designed and built their own home, and
ultimately welcomed four grandchildren (whom they spoiled unapologetically.)
Joan (nicknamed Saint Joan by her son-in-law) was a fabulous cook, voracious reader,
devout Christian, Sunday School teacher, Portland Trailblazers fan, cancer survivor, lover
of history, music and art, and a surprisingly feisty debater.
She was patient, extraordinarily kind, and very curious. Rumor has it that she was a shameless speed demon as a young woman and regularly enjoyed seeing how fast her car could go.
She adored animals, old movies, and was affectionately referred to as the “jam whisperer.”
She was an extremely talented gardener.
Joan played cards like a professional gambler, could whip egg whites like no one else, and she never failed to help anyone in need. Joan was a relentless optimist who always saw the good in every person she met.
She wasn’t just a ray of sunshine to her family – she WAS the sun.
Joan’s family would like to extend our sincere thanks to Brighton Hospice. Every staff
member treated our mother like THEIR mother and we are in awe of these amazing
people but, in particular, we’d like to thank Nook, Becky and Rachel.
There are no words to express our gratitude for their tender care and compassion.
Rest easily, Mom. We know that we’ll see you again. We cannot wait to have you
welcome us with your sparkling green eyes, gorgeous smile … and, without a doubt, a fine
meal.
And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so?
I did. And what did you want?
To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on this earth.
– Late fragment by Raymond Carver