Margaret DeAnne Mahlum

In Loving Memory of Margaret DeAnne Mahlum July 20, 1945 – February 23, 2026 With heavy hearts and profound gratitude, we celebrate the life of Margaret DeAnne Mahlum, who peacefully departed from this world on February 23, 2026, at her beloved home in Fallbrook, California. Born on July 20, 1945, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Margaret's life was a testament to the power of love, community, and tireless service. Margaret was the cherished daughter of Ralph and Marguerite (Zikmund) Nasinec. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Roland Nasinec, and her sister Joanne Wilson. She is survived by her devoted husband of 40 years, Loyd David Mahlum, her beloved children Christine (Mahlum) and Aaron Boyer, Daniel and Monique Mahlum, and her two precious grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life. A graduate of the University of North Dakota, Margaret was a lifelong learner and educator. Her passion for education was evident in her early work with the Solana Beach Sandy Hill preschool, where she participated in a parent co-op program that fostered a nurturing and supportive learning environment. Her dedication to education led her to help organize the Alternative School Program in Solana Beach, a pioneering initiative that continues to thrive and benefit countless students to this day. Margaret's commitment to community service was unparalleled. She was a driving force in numerous organizations, including the American Association of University Women (AAUW) in both Cardiff/Del Mar and Fallbrook, where she coordinated gourmet cooking groups that raised funds for scholarships. Her efforts in founding and supporting local art initiatives, such as the Fallbrook Art Center and the Fallbrook Garden Club, exemplified her love for the arts and the natural world. A true steward of the environment, Margaret was instrumental in various conservation projects, including her work with Save Our Forest and the Fallbrook Land Conservancy. Her passion for sustainable living inspired many, as she advocated for drought-tolerant landscaping and energy conservation in her community. Margaret's kindness extended to all creatures, great and small. Her volunteer work at the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary, where she comforted and cared for small dogs, reflected her compassionate spirit and deep empathy for animals. Her legacy of service continued through her involvement with the Fallbrook Library, where she played a vital role in its development and was honored in the limited edition of "The Story of the Fallbrook Library." Her countless contributions to public art, senior care, and cancer support groups demonstrate a life lived in service to others. Margaret's gentle spirit, unwavering dedication, and boundless generosity touched the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations to serve their communities with the same love and dedication that defined her remarkable life. A memorial service to honor Margaret's life will be held on March 21, 2026, at 12:30 PM at her residence, 352 Tom McGuinness Jr Circle, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Friends and family are warmly invited to celebrate the life of a woman who gave so much to so many. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Margaret's memory to the organizations she held dear, ensuring that her spirit of giving continues to flourish. Margaret DeAnne Mahlum leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and enduring kindness. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty she so dearly cherished.