Margaret lives in a small house in Euclid, Ohio. She has wild red hair and gray eyes. Her mother, who lives with her, is Mrs. Partridge. Margaret's brother is Mr. Birkway, Sal's English teacher. Margaret is a nurse. Her husband was killed and her mother lost her sight when a drunk driver hit Margaret's husband's car.
Margaret was sitting next to Sugar on the bus when the accident happened in Lewiston, Idaho. Margaret was the only survivor of the crash. She met John Hiddle, Sal's father, when John went to Lewiston to bury his wife. They became friends and corresponded with each other. She helps John Hiddle find a job in Euclid and spends time with him. She is friendly towards Sal, but she is not pushy. She is patient with Sal when Sal acts ornery toward her, and when Sal is ready to listen, Margaret explains her connection to Sal's father.
