Margaret Briggs was born in St. Louis, MO, and was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Luke's E & R church. She was married to Russell E. Gieselmann for 61 years. She has three children: David, Elaine, and John; five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She married Carl H. Bals in 2019.

Margaret earned a BS Degree from Harris-Stowe State University. She was an algebra teacher, then an Associate Engineer at Western Electric, before becoming a consultant for Altair Travel.

She was blessed to be part of several organizations, including Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), Community Bible Study (CBS), an Order of St. Luke (OSL), as a convener, a Stephen Ministry leader, a Hospice volunteer, and a Hospital Chaplaincy volunteer. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs and has been a Prayer Warrior for 25 years, during which she has managed the monthly calendar for 9 years.

Margaret has been active in her neighborhoods: Thornhill in St. Louis, and The Crossings, The Terraces, and Spanish Wells in Bonita Springs. She enjoys Bible studies, music, painting, card games, and parties.