It is with heavy hearts that MCD announces the passing of Margot Imdieke Cross.

Margot leaves a legacy of uncompromising dedication to access for all, for which we are all profoundly grateful.

Access is Margot.

Undeterred, Margot was fierce, firm, wise, humorous, and kind-hearted. Her talents as a change-maker grew from her lifelong experiences as a woman with a disability. She disarmed even the most formidable foe with her sharp wit, tenacity, and keen intellect. She didn’t back down when institutions, cultural norms, governments, businesses, or anyone else created barrier after barrier to access. Her steadfast resolve led her to become a highly respected disability rights advocate and renowned ADA building code expert. She routinely outsmarted discrimination and beat back ableism. She educated and argued, spoke out and influenced, changed minds, and challenged common practices in her endless pursuit of equity and empowerment for people with disabilities. She was a force to be reckoned with. She touched countless lives, and her leadership, guidance, and friendship forever changed those who were lucky enough to know her.

Having used a wheelchair since the age of 2, Margot challenged societal stereotypes and norms early on. She was at the forefront of the disability rights movement. Alongside Justin and Yoshiko Dart, Senator David Durenberger, Senator Jim Ramstad, and many others, she attended the historic signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. She went on to lead a remarkable career. She was the go-to expert on technical assistance for state and federal accessibility mandates. She served as the State of Minnesota’s only accessibility specialist consulting on a range of notable projects, including the new Minnesota Senate Building, State Capitol Complex renovations, Target Field, U.S. Bank Stadium, CHS Field, Allianz Field, and Target Center renovations, to name a few. She authored expert opinions on countless administrative rules, state and federal access codes, the Rehabilitation Act, and so much more. In keeping with her love of the great outdoors, she championed significant accessibility investments in Minnesota State Parks and Trails. From public spaces to sports venues to tree-lined trails, even those who didn’t know Margot are reaping the benefits of her commitment to ensuring access and equity for all.

Margot’s impact extends way beyond buildings. As an outdoor enthusiast, she joined the first Wilderness Inquiry trip for people with disabilities in 1977. She quickly became a vocal presence for the fledgling organization and served on its Board of Directors. Among her many contributions and awards, Margot served as a Minneapolis Civil Rights Commissioner, was the first Access Press Charlie Smith Award recipient, and served as a member and former chairperson of the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities. In her more than 35 years with the Minnesota Council on Disability, she was integral to passing legislation that advanced a range of disability rights, conducted countless presentations, consulted with thousands of architects, designers, contractors, and builders, gave voice to community concerns, and contested the status quo. Margot brought tireless energy to her work.

Yet, of all the accomplishments mentioned here (which only begin to scratch the surface), solving your personal access issues one person at a time brought Margot the most joy and satisfaction. She listened with dignity, acted with expertise, and fought with and for you with vigor. And she loved every minute of it. She loved winning, ensuring people had the right to live, vote, work, and play with access and freedom – where they choose and how they choose.

Our community has lost an original trailblazer. While heartbroken, we at MCD, along with Stuart Cross, her beloved husband, vow to honor Margot’s life and legacy through our continued commitment to bringing access, justice, equity, and empowerment for all.

Join us for a Celebration of Margot’s storied, successful life on Wednesday, August 7. Memorial Service officiated by Marilaurice Hemlock at 10:00 am with lunch to follow and story time until 3:00 pm.