Cumberland – Margaret Jane (Shaffer) Barkman, 100, of Cumberland, passed away Saturday, July 13, 2024 at her home.

Born March 30, 1924, in Pittsburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late Paul John and Ida Maybelle (Stevenson) Shaffer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leo Franklin Barkman.

Margaret graduated from Terra Alta High School in West Virginia, which is now known as East Preston Cathermans. She also took computer courses at Allegany Community College. Margaret was employed at Gulfport Air Force Base in Mississippi.

Margaret enjoyed line dancing, yoga and spending many hours reading. She had a love for dachshunds. She was an active member of the LaVale United Methodist Church

In 1971, a change of careers took place this career made "Margaret Barkman" almost a household name in the area. She went to work as a Congressional Aid/ Representative with the very popular Congressman Goodloe Byron and following his untimely death, for his widow Congresswoman Beverly Byron. She retired in March of 1989, but served as Mrs. Byron's campaign manager in 1990 and 1992.

Margaret and her husband, Leo, liked to spend 5 to 6 months of each of their retirement years in Myrtle Beach, SC and upgraded from a motor home to a permanent mobile home there and enjoyed their retirement years together until his death in July 1996.

Margaret is survived by her step-daughter, Sharon Honeycutt and husband, Robert; step-grandson, Rob Honeycutt, Jr.; step-granddaughter, Christie Hoffman and husband, Michael; and step-grandson, Joshua Hoffman.

In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated.

A memorial service will be held at LaVale United Methodist Church, 565 National Hwy, LaVale, on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jeffrey Zalatoris officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to LaVale United Methodist Church in honor of Margaret's memory.