Margaret S. Perrino

With hearts full of love, gratitude, and cherished memories, we celebrate the beautiful life of Margaret S. Perrino (Hatcher), a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, who peacefully departed this world on May 11, 2026, at the age of 90. Surrounded by love during her final days at St. Luke’s Hospice House, Margaret left this earth the same way she lived her life - with grace, strength, warmth, and quiet faith. Born on May 7, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri, Margaret was the beloved daughter of the late Herbert T. Hatcher Sr. and Helen Elizabeth Canterbury. As the second oldest of five siblings, she naturally carried a nurturing spirit that remained with her throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Charles L. Perrino; her sister, Sarah L. Smith; and her brothers, Titus E. Hatcher Sr. and Carl L. Hatcher. She leaves behind her loving brothers, Herbert T. Hatcher and his wife Sandra, and Harold E. Hatcher and his wife Peggy, both of Kansas City, Missouri, along with countless relatives and friends who were blessed by her love and presence. Margaret’s journey carried her from Kansas City to Seattle, Washington, where she built a successful 20-year career with Blue Cross Blue Shield of King County. Alongside her beloved husband Charles, she also helped establish Perrino’s Card and Book Store - recognized as the first African-American bookstore in Seattle at that time. Together, they created more than a business; they created a place of warmth, culture, community, and connection. Customers were greeted not simply as patrons, but as family, welcomed by Margaret’s radiant smile and kind spirit. To know Margaret was to experience gentleness, wisdom, and unconditional love. She possessed a quiet strength that carried her through life’s joys and challenges with dignity and resilience. She rarely complained, choosing instead to meet life with gratitude, faith, humor, and compassion. Her kindness was effortless, and her presence brought comfort to everyone around her. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Margaret was raised in Bethel A.M.E. Church and later became a devoted member of St. James United Methodist Church after returning to Kansas City. Her faith guided her life and anchored her spirit. She believed in treating people with love, extending grace freely, and finding joy even in the simplest moments. Above all else, Margaret treasured her family. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Jacquelyn C. Perrino, who lovingly carries forward her mother’s strength, compassion, and grace. She also leaves behind her adored grandson, JaRon L. Stearns; her precious great-granddaughters, Jordan Rose Stearns and Sedona Lee Stearns, who brought endless joy to her heart; her cherished “bonus daughter,” Dena Idahosa; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her love. Margaret had a special way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved. And if you ever told her, “I love you,” she would almost always smile warmly and reply with one simple word: “Ditto.” That small word carried the fullness of her heart — genuine, humble, affectionate, and sincere. It is a memory her loved ones will treasure forever. A Celebration of Life honoring Margaret will be held on June 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. James United Methodist Church, located at 5540 Wayne Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64110. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the service will be available through St. James United Methodist Church - sjumckc.org. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered prayers, calls, visits, kindness, and support during this difficult time. Your love has provided immeasurable comfort. Though our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in the blessing of having known and loved her. Margaret’s gentle spirit, unwavering faith, loving heart, and beautiful legacy will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her. Ditto, Mom. Forever in my heart Jacque