Margit Franziska Ridgway

Margit Franziska Ridgway (née Steinschaden) lived a remarkable life defined by adventure, resilience, curiosity, and a love for her family, friends, and the life she built with her beloved husband, Jack.

Margit was born on October 23, 1942, in Bernburg, Germany, during the difficult years of World War II, to Josef Leopold Steinschaden and Auguste Arnold Steinschaden. As a young girl, Margit moved with her parents and her sister, Christa, to Vienna, Austria, where she grew up during the challenging postwar years. Those early experiences helped shape the strength, independence, determination, and appreciation for life that would remain with her throughout her years.

Even as a young woman, Margit possessed a wonderful sense of adventure. She loved horses and was a gifted athlete, particularly on the basketball court. Her talent once even earned her the memorable opportunity to practice with the legendary Harlem Globetrotters.

After completing her schooling in Austria, Margit embarked upon a career that would take her far beyond Vienna. She became a stewardess with Pan American World Airways during the golden age of international air travel. Working in first class, Margit traveled the world and met many of the famous personalities and celebrities of the era. More importantly, her career with Pan Am led her to the person who would become the love of her life.

While flying for Pan Am, Margit met pilot John J. “Jack” Ridgway. They fell in love and were married in the Summer of 1972, beginning a marriage and partnership filled with travel, adventure, hard work, and devotion to one another.

After years spent traveling the world, Margit and Jack eventually found a place that felt like home in West Dover, Vermont. With its mountains, snow, natural beauty, and peaceful surroundings, Vermont reminded Margit of her native Austria. She and Jack embraced life there, particularly the skiing and mountain community surrounding Mount Snow.

Together, they also became entrepreneurs, building and operating distinctive vacation homes where families could gather for ski trips, reunions, weddings, and celebrations. Many of their homes drew inspiration from the Austrian ski chalets Margit remembered from Europe and were given names reflecting that heritage. Jack was the builder and craftsman, while Margit brought her talents for marketing, hospitality, and making people feel welcome. She was truly the consummate hostess. Their guests did not simply rent a house, they were welcomed by Margit and Jack, and many came to know and love them personally.

Margit approached life with energy and an enduring desire to learn. She was never one to sit still or believe that it was too late to try something new. She learned to play the piano, with Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata becoming a favorite, and in her 60s she took on an entirely different challenge, earning a black belt in karate. It was characteristic of Margit: when something captured her interest, she embraced it wholeheartedly.

Those who knew Margit will remember a woman who was spirited, capable, adventurous, and full of life. From a childhood in postwar Europe to a career that carried her around the globe, from the mountains of Austria to the mountains of Vermont, Margit lived a life few could replicate. She collected experiences, welcomed challenges, and formed friendships along the way.

Above all, Margit was deeply loved by Jack and by the family and friends who were fortunate enough to share in her extraordinary journey.

Margit is survived by her sister, Christa Genis; her nephews, Christoph Genis and his family, and Rainhardt Genis and his family; as well as the many members of the Ridgway family who loved and embraced her, including David and Peggy Ridgway; Nancy Ridgway, wife of the late Mike Ridgway; Judy and Ted Wahl; Ann and Tom Murray; Steve and Nancy Ridgway; and Sue and Joe Hughes, along with their children and extended families.

Margit’s story stretched across countries, continents, and generations, but perhaps the best reflection of her life can be found in the mountains she loved so dearly, the Austrian Alps of her youth and the Vermont mountains she later chose as home.

Margit she leaves behind a lifetime of stories and memories that will continue to be shared by all who knew and loved her.

Margit will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.