Margaret "Cookie" Gatteri

Margaret “Cookie” Gatteri, age 94, of Northville, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026. She was born on September 23, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of Gilmore Roy and Margaret Clara (Fienau) Marshall. She graduated from high school in 1948 and began working at a local ice cream shop. It was there that a handsome young man named Joe stopped in, struck up a conversation, and began courting Margaret. Their chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong love story. Margaret was united in marriage to Joseph Gatteri on April 29, 1950, and together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage until his passing on December 25, 2012.

After raising her children, Cookie began a career as a school bus driver for South Lyon Community Schools, where she worked for 20 years before retiring. She truly loved her job and especially the children she drove each day, treating them with kindness and care. Cookie eagerly volunteered for overtime and special trips, often bringing her own grandchildren along so they could experience new places and adventures together. Her years behind the wheel were filled with countless memories, lasting friendships, and the joy of making a difference in the lives of the children she served.

Cookie was a talented knitter who found joy in creating handmade gifts for those she loved. She was also an avid reader, rarely without a good book, and especially enjoyed novels by her favorite author, Danielle Steel. Cookie liked to cook and her homemade American spaghetti became a beloved family favorite. Her home was always a welcoming place, with the door open to family and friends alike. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel at home, ensuring no one ever left hungry and that those she loved were always well cared for.

Cookie is survived by her children, Jodie Gatteri, Sanda Plave, and Jim (Shirley) Gatteri; 10 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her children, Joseph Gatteri III and Gayle Gatteri; her granddaughter Ashley Gatteri; and her grandson TJ Flannery.

Margaret will be laid to rest with her husband at Great Lakes National Cemetery.