PORTLAND, Ore. — Margaret Groening, the woman who inspired one of television’s most iconic characters, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 22, 2013. She was 94.

Born Margaret Wiggum on March 23, 1919, in Chisholm, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Norwegian immigrants Matt and Ingeborg Wiggum, who met while traveling to America. The family later settled in Everett, Washington, where Margaret grew up, excelling as high school valedictorian, Miss Everett, and ultimately May Queen at Linfield College.

After graduating in 1941, she married her college classmate, Homer Groening, whose sense of humor she described as unmatched. A high school English teacher before raising her family, Margaret’s lifelong love of language was evident in the intricate Double-Crostics she proudly completed in ink. Together, she and Homer were devoted supporters of the Oregon Symphony, the Portland Trail Blazers, and Portland’s thriving arts community.

Her life story carries a unique cultural legacy. Margaret was the real-life inspiration behind The Simpsons matriarch, Marge Simpson. Her son, Matt Groening, creator of the landmark animated series, named his characters after his own family, including Homer and Marge, and borrowed the family name “Wiggum” for Chief Wiggum. He later revealed that “Bart” was an anagram of “Brat,” a playful nod to himself as the family’s mischievous child.

Margaret Groening’s memory endures not only through her family but also through the millions who unknowingly came to know her warmth and humor in the animated family she inspired