Obituary for Margaret T. O'Donnell (Boyle)
Margaret Theresa O’Donnell (nee Boyle), 85, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2021. She was sure to get another St. Patrick’s Day in before moving on. Margaret was born on October 6, 1935 in Burtonport, Leckenagh, County Donegal Ireland as the second youngest of 10 children. Margaret lived the last 50 years in Point Pleasant, NJ. Margaret left home at the tender age of 14; off to England to help with the family finances. She later emigrated to the US with her brother Denis in 1956. It was Denis that developed a friendship with a first generation Irishman - Bill O’Donnell - that led to a courtship and a beautiful 56 year marriage.
Bill’s successful career enabled Margaret to visit her cherished Donegal annually; a love she passed on to her children who accompanied her. Bill and Margaret expanded the Donegal family cottage and spent many months there when retired. They enjoyed the craic, the Guinness, the Irish music, and the oysters (Bill more so the oysters to be clear). She dearly cherished her beloved Ireland and family.
Margaret demonstrated resolve throughout her life. In her early thirties, she suffered a cerebral aneurysm. Nevertheless, being what she is she came back. They said she would not walk, they were right – she danced. They said she would not make it to 50, they were right – she made it to 85. She was as tough as she was kind.
Margaret was devoted to her husband and their children and grandchildren. She had a huge heart, loved life, and appreciated every minute. She showed life what life is about. She let those she loved know it. Margaret was extremely generous with her time and spirit – her favorite saying was “You can’t take it with you.” She leaves a huge void that we are challenged to fill.
Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Bridget Mary Boyle from County Donegal, Ireland. In the Irish custom her family were known as the Charlie Denis’s and she is the last of them. They were quite a crew and she carried the torch well. She is survived by her son, John and his wife Sharon of Brielle and their five children, Liam and his wife Lisa, Caitlin and her husband Chris Robertson and great granddaughter Evelyn Marie, Sean, Ryan and Annie; and her daughter, Bridget Paniscotti and her husband, Mario of Wall, and their 3 children, Brianna, Kristen, and Erin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, March 23rd at St. Catharine Church, 215 Essex Avenue Spring Lake, NJ at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at St. Catharine Cemetery, Sea Girt.
Bill’s successful career enabled Margaret to visit her cherished Donegal annually; a love she passed on to her children who accompanied her. Bill and Margaret expanded the Donegal family cottage and spent many months there when retired. They enjoyed the craic, the Guinness, the Irish music, and the oysters (Bill more so the oysters to be clear). She dearly cherished her beloved Ireland and family.
Margaret demonstrated resolve throughout her life. In her early thirties, she suffered a cerebral aneurysm. Nevertheless, being what she is she came back. They said she would not walk, they were right – she danced. They said she would not make it to 50, they were right – she made it to 85. She was as tough as she was kind.
Margaret was devoted to her husband and their children and grandchildren. She had a huge heart, loved life, and appreciated every minute. She showed life what life is about. She let those she loved know it. Margaret was extremely generous with her time and spirit – her favorite saying was “You can’t take it with you.” She leaves a huge void that we are challenged to fill.
Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Bridget Mary Boyle from County Donegal, Ireland. In the Irish custom her family were known as the Charlie Denis’s and she is the last of them. They were quite a crew and she carried the torch well. She is survived by her son, John and his wife Sharon of Brielle and their five children, Liam and his wife Lisa, Caitlin and her husband Chris Robertson and great granddaughter Evelyn Marie, Sean, Ryan and Annie; and her daughter, Bridget Paniscotti and her husband, Mario of Wall, and their 3 children, Brianna, Kristen, and Erin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, March 23rd at St. Catharine Church, 215 Essex Avenue Spring Lake, NJ at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at St. Catharine Cemetery, Sea Girt.