Margaret Derse

Middleton --- Margaret Baker Derse, "Teddy" as she was known throughout her life, died on April 29, 2014 at age 94. She was born March 24, 1920 in Madison, the only child of Dudley Baker and Stella Holmquist Baker. Her father gave her the name "Teddy" soon after she was born because he thought she looked like Teddy Roosevelt.
Teddy grew up in Madison, attending Randall Elementary School and West High School. She graduated from UW- Madison and taught high school home economics and science during the war in Williams Bay, WI. She and Philip Derse were married on March 22, 1944 in Sanford, Florida just before he was shipped out to the Pacific to serve as a night pilot on the carrier USS Bennington.
Following WWII, Teddy and Phil had Marshall Erdman build both his and their first home on a gravel road on the western edge of Madison. Their home was the first house built on Midvale Boulevard. They later moved to Shorewood Hills where they raised their three children, Susan, Laurie and Peter. In 1972, they relocated to Maple Bluff. In 2000, they moved into an apartment at Attic Angel Place.
From her years as a student at UW-Madison to the recent past, she was an active member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Teddy remained a loyal Badger fan. She had fond memories of her dad taking her to watch John Walsh's boxing teams at the Field House throughout her childhood.
Since 1966, Teddy was an active member of the Attic Angel Association and served on their board and as their treasurer. She was an active member and supporter of both the Madison Symphony Orchestra and Madison Opera.
Over the years she and Philip enjoyed traveling, sharing many great vacations with family. They were avid antique collectors. Golf was her favorite sport with tennis a close second. There was nothing she loved more than being on the golf course at Blackhawk and later Maple Bluff. Bridge was a favorite game for Teddy and Phil and continued as a favorite for Teddy until recently.
Teddy is survived by her children: Susan (David) Phillips, Laurie (Doug Lloyd) Derse, Peter (Marcia) Derse; her grandchildren: Jennifer Phillips (Edmund Miller), Josh (Cassie) Phillips, Maggie Phillips (Jamie) Reeve, Kate Phillips (Mike) Hollandsworth, Sam Derse, Emily (Emanuele) Pellichero, and Molly Derse; and 12 great grandchildren: Charlie, Lucy, Will and Joe Phillips; George, Lewis and Elliot Miller; Olivia, Max and Lily Reeve; Stella Pellichero; and Scarlett Hollandsworth. She was preceded in death by her parents and, in 2002, her husband, Philip.
A memorial service will be held in the Community Room at Attic Angels Place, 8301 Old Sauk Road, Middleton, on Sunday, May 18th at 2 pm followed by a reception.
Memorials may be made to Attic Angel Association, Madison Symphony Orchestra or Madison Opera. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the caring staff of Attic Angels and of Home Health United Hospice.