Margaret Patricia Jones
1924 – 2021
On October 15th, 1924, Margaret Patricia McDermott, one of eleven children, nine girls and two boys, was born to Robert and Theresa in Newbridge County Kildare Ireland. It was a simple and at times not idyllic upbringing but it certainly was not a quiet household. Nevertheless the bonds with her brother and sisters endured a lifetime.
Her free spirit and determination were characteristic of the McDermott family. She loved learning and when most children had already left school at 14, she continued. It was through her resolute will that she attained her leaving cert, top of her class, with honours and winning the much prized Silver Cup. She was immensely proud of this and used every opportunity to often remind her children. Business and secretarial diplomas followed.
Not long after this, Margaret moved to London and settled in Hammersmith, working for The Rank Film Organization. It was from the top of a bus that she first saw John Jones, her future husband. It was love at first sight and after a “whirlwind” five year courtship, they were married. Their hearts and souls live on in their four children, Andrea, Dermot, Carolyn and Timothy, who owe much to them and who were given such a selfless and caring childhood.
After raising her family Margaret went to work again for the pharmaceutical company, Optrex, for many years but when they relocated she took a new job with French company Caddie as PA to one of the Directors. That zeal for learning and the diplomas really paid off.
On retiring she took a stall at Portobello Road market, selling a variety of curios and charming the punters out of their cash. Her passions were reading, crosswords and quizzes. She was blessed with six grandchildren, Christian, Cara, Sarah, Harry, Lily, Annie and her great grandchild, Emilia, all of whom she loved dearly.
Most of all, Margaret will be remembered for her pride and passion for anything Irish and her love of life. Indeed, she was the life and soul of any social gathering. She was funny, often unintentionally and if she took a shine to you, you would be a friend forever. Friends, neighbours, postmen, bank tellers, librarians, waiters and waitresses, she remembered them all, and they all cherished her.
Suffering from various forms of arthritis for some time took its toll and forced her to slow down. She lived with the disease for years, but rarely complained about the pain she was in. So typical of that McDermott spirit.
For this reason we ask that instead of flowers a donation to Versus Arthritis (VA) be made. VA is a charity committed to ensuring that one day no one will have to live with the debilitating pain, discomfort and isolation of arthritis.
We invite you to join us to celebrate the life of Margaret Patricia Jones
Funeral
Date: 22/03/2021Additional Info:
PLEASE NOTE - Due to COVID19 restrictions attendance at the funeral is restricted and all places have currently been allocated. Please contact the direct family if you are proposing to come to the church.
THE FUNERAL WILL BE LIVE STREAMED from this Memorial site at the appointed time. Please click the invitation which will go live as the service begins. If, for any reason you miss the stream, have no fear, it is being simultaneously recorded and the HD fillm will be uploaded to this site later the same day.
Additional Info:
The Family request that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Versus Arthritis, a charity that is committed to ensure that one day no one will have to live with the discomfort, fatigue and isolation that arthritis causes.
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Dearest Maggie, it was a great pleasure to know you. When I first met you, I was single and you said you would pray for me to meet a lovely man…..and then came along John. So we are both so grateful to you for your prayers. Happily, you instantly loved John, probably helped by him being half Irish!! Rest in Peace, Vanessa and John xxx
“The tears have all been shed now,
We’ve said our last goodbyes,
Her souls been blessed, She’s been laid to rest,
And it’s now we feel alone,
She was more than just a Mother, Our teacher and best friend,
She’ll still be heard in the tunes we’ve shared,
When we play them on our own,
We never will forget her, She helped makes us what we are,
Though she may be gone, Memories linger on,
And we’ll miss her,
Our dear Mam/ Granny/ Aunty/ Mother in Law and friend.”
(With thanks to Phil Coulter and apologies for the slight modification to his words.)
When I think of Aunty Margaret a series of disparate pictures and thoughts flash through my mind:
A ball of energy,
A force of nature,
She loved being Irish even though she happily adopted England as her homeland and enjoyed her life there,
Very affectionate and cuddlesome,
Lovd coming to our pub gigs and sang along with the best of them,
Fancied herself as an Irish dancer even in her later tears,
Loved being the centre of attention and would talk into the early hours,
Was always loving and lovable.
NI bheidh a leitheid Ann aris,
Ar dheis De a bheidh a hanam dilis.
Hey Maggie, I have such fond memories of us dancing in the kitchen at parties in Stoke Poges and winding you up by referring to Dermot as Dermie. I have one regret though and that is never thanking you for giving birth to my best mate. Rest in peace my lovely. PGxxx
My Granna was so attentive. She lived to make sure others were succeeding. I have the lightest, clearest memories of us working “together” on crosswords that were far too complicated for my pre-teen understanding—but she still let me have a go, and I always got at least a word or two right! Cracking down on crosswords are what I remember and cherish the most, since those word puzzles she showed me taught me how to be persistent, and never give up. Granna has ingrained a spark of tenacity within me. She always made sure I was working my hardest, and I hope to make her spirit proud by never stopping. I love you & we miss you already, Granna.
So many wonderful memories to choose from, it’s hard just to choose one. but one thing that will always stands out for me is how warm, kind and loving Maggie always was. She would always greet you with the brightest smile and her green blue eyes lit up her face. “How are you Steven” in a her wonderful Irish lilt, “you’re still so handsome” she would always say. Great moments for me would be seeing Maggie and my Nonna having a conversation together which was hilarious to watch and a tv show that never got released. Maggie was always witty and head strong all the way to the end and I’m so happy I got the chance to see her before the Angels came. I believe she’s in a better place now and forever happy reunited with Pa. Rest in peace Maggie and thankyou for gracing our lives, we love you very much.
God bless,
love Steven
Auntie Margaret was an absolute legend She was funny, caring, kind and so interesting to talk with. My last memory of Auntie Margaret was taking her to the airport along with mum. We had the greatest laugh going up in the car. When the steward came to take her to the plane, I remember looking at her and my heart just broke, thinking will this be the last time we would see her. Sadly it was. Auntie Margaret had stayed with mum during her visit and it was so lovely to spend the time with her. Auntie Margaret you were an amazing lady and I am so glad that you were a paŕt of my life.
All my love.
So many wonderful memories to choose from, it’s hard just to choose one. but one thing that will always stands out for me is how warm, kind and loving Maggie always was. She would always greet you with the brightest smile and her green blue eyes lit up her face.
“How are you Steven” in a her wonderful Irish accent, “you’re still so handsome” she would always say.
Great moments for me would be seeing Maggie and my Nonna having a conversation together which was hilarious to watch and a tv show that never got released. Maggie was always witty and head strong all the way to the end and I’m so happy I got the chance to see her before the Angels came. I believe she’s in a better place now and forever happy reunited with Pa. Rest in peace Maggie and thankyou for gracing our lives, we love you very much.
God bless,
love Steven
So many memories,but cannot forget what Auntie Maggie did for the Nea family when Daddy died in 1963 at age of 44.
A force of nature always.We will not forget,
Auntie Margaret learning to play golf by her goal instructor, Anthony Halla
❤️❤️
A Tribute To My Auntie Margaret
There is a poem I heard several years ago titled, “The Dash”. It’s about the little dash on your grave stone that separates one’s birth and one’s death. Auntie Margaret lived her dash with a life of love, joy, faith, compassion and kindness everyday.
She was very special to our entire family. Her love of family was exhibited with being a wonderful sister to my mother, Mary, and a caring aunt to Bobby, Anthony and myself.
Her young spirit was seen in her smile, laughter and twinkling blue eyes. Her listening ear and advice helped Brent and I with the loss of Anthony and Mommy. Her faith and strength was a witness to all of us. Her prayer for us to have a baby was answered with being blessed with twins.
It was an Honor and Irish Luck to have my Beautiful Auntie Margaret as part of my life. Enjoy dancing in heaven with your family. We will miss you.
Love,
Mary Jo & Brent McDonald
Dearest auntie Margaret you will be missed . You were such a big personality and loved life. I just hope now that your all happy together in heaven with the rest of your family. Loved you so much. Rest in peace Auntie Margaret.❤️❤️❤️
I had the privilege of meeting my Great Aunt Margaret summer before last with mum Anne and Auntie Lily. She was in hospital at the time and we travelled to surprise her. Despite being in hospital we had great smiles, laughs and plenty of reminiscing in the hours we were there with her. Rest in Peace Margaret x
Had the privilege of meeting my Great Aunt Margaret summer before last with mum Anne and Auntie Lily. She was in hospital at the time and we travelled to surprise her. Despite being in hospital we had great smiles, laughs and plenty of reminiscing in the hours we were there with her. Rest in Peace Margaret x
Margaret and I had a special bond every time we we met I made a bee line for her, as I enjoyed her company so much.i travelled with her to new York .at the check in desk at Heathrow I tried to guess her middle name to get a upgrade and guessed it right.somehow we became attached, I was looking for her everywhere and had to board the plane at the last minute.as I walked down the Isle I spotted her ,she looked at me and said ,where the he’ll have you been, I have been here for almost an hour. A wonderful lady.sleep well Margaret.love Peter.
Margaret loved the sentiments in this little poem.
Stooped Old Man
A stooped old man and a young man
chanced to meet one day.
The young man said to the old man
In his usual braggart way,
“Why don’t you walk up straight like me?
That’s no way to grow old,
It’s all a form of habit,
At least that’s what I’m told.”
The old man gave him a knowing look
And said, “My dear young friend,
Have you ever examined your wheat field
And noticed the heads that bend?
If not, just look them over
As harvest time draws nigh,
You’ll find that the heads that are empty
Are standing tall and high,
But the heads that count in the harvest
Are filled and bending low,
Awaiting the reaper’s sickle,
Their time is short, they know.”
And as the young man passed on by
He slowly bowed his head,
No doubt he pondered many a day
On the things the old man said.
photo
We loved having both of you for summer holidays. Sweet dreams. I’m
It was an honour and privilege to paint a watercolour of Newbridge County Kildare, and great hear of the lovely reaction and the happy memories it brought. Thinking of you all. Ro xxx
It was with great sadness we heard of the passing of Auntie Margaret. We enjoyed her company when she came to visit us in Derry. Auntie Margaret was a fountain of knowledge and always had a smile and chat for everyone. She loved getting taken to see her many cousins and friends here in Derry. Auntie Margaret was so glamorous fun loving and intelligent, she will be sadly missed by the Morrows and McCarthy Dermotts in Derry.
The winter it has passed
And the summer’s come at last
The small birds are singing in the trees
And their little hearts are glad
Ah, but mine is very sad
Since my true love is far away from me
And straight I will repair
To the Curragh of Kildare
For it’s there I’ll finds tidings of my dear
The rose upon the briar
By the water’s running clear
Brings joy to the linnet and the bee
And their little hearts are blessed
But mine can know no rest
Since my true love is far away from me
A livery I’ll wear
And I’ll comb back my hair
And in velvet so green I will appear
And straight I will repair
To the Curragh of Kildare
For its there I’ll find tidings of my dear
All you who are in love
Aye and cannot it remove
I pity the pain that you endure
For experience lets me know
That your hearts are filled with woe
It’s a woe that no mortal can cure
I first met Margaret in 2006 and we have met several times since which I enjoyed because she was so lively and interesting, I shall miss seeing her beautiful handwriting when we exchanged cards and will always remember her with great affection.
To Mrs J
An acrostic written for her 90th Birthday
(she used to do the quiz every week) (and she shared a name with my mum Mrs M Jones!)
Much gladness Mrs J on this
Auspicious day
Indulge your pleasure and
Relax to hear what I might say . . .
Evoke the memories that
Dance within your mind
Pure thoughts of happiness
Amongst them you will find;
Dwell long the love of faily
Residing in your heart
Absent friends too, come to mind
Integral from the start;
Girl from another country
Adventurer by trade
Across the see to England
To find what could be made;
Hammersmith and Harrow
Round streets of West Hampstead
A long trip out to Poges Stoke
Collecting in her head,
High knowledge and remembrance
The facts both small and great
Miraculously stored upstairs
Awaiting time and fate;
Came passing time and all at once
Did destiny set sail
In question form by internet and
Answers by email
Results were quite remarkable
Magnificent it is
And so it’s Happy Birthday to
The Duchess of all Quiz.
Amen
We have such happy memories of dear Maggie. Always fun to be around and her wonderful passion to make you feel so special. We will always remember her with love and fondness, and that wonderful Irish vivacious spirit.
Sleep well Maggie.
As we travel on our journey though this life, there are not many constants. Auntie Margaret was a constant. Constant in her beliefs, values and love of family. Constant in her tenacity, strength and sense of fun , no matter what life threw her way. An example for us all. We shared so many laughs, giggles and fun times. Love you Auntie Margaret. I will miss you. Rest gently. ❤️
Dearest Maggie, so many memories over the years. You were also a second mother to me from the age of 10. We loved and we laughed and had so many deep conversations. Your uncanny skills at spotting a hidden antique gem from 3 stalls away are legendary and I loved to hear you regale those stories. You touched our lives in so many ways, I hope you knew how very special you were to all of us.
Maggie Video
Lovely memories….
I was so sad to not have been by Maggie’s side when she fell asleep. I loved her like a mother and will be forever grateful for all her prayers for me and all my family.
Her roast dinners, mince pies and sausage rolls at Christmas were legendary, and her devotion and love for her family and ours were limitless.
God Bless you Maggie…say hello from all of us to Mum, Dad, Maria and Pa.
I will hold you in my heart forever…….
Auntie Margaret was a force of nature who spoke her mind with humour. She was also kind, an example of this, was when she discovered that as a mischievous 2 or 3yr old I had waded into her make up on her dressing table making short work of lipsticks, blusher etc. Her ‘ah well, she’s only a child..these things happen’ attitude was gratefully received by me and also by my mother!
The small matter of undertaking a transatlantic flight well in to her 90s wasn’t going to keep Maggie away from our wedding. She always maintained that i owed her one on account of her seemingly answered prayers “for her grandson to find a lovely wife”!
Maggie and Emilia
“ She gave to us her tenderness, her friendship and her love, and we’ll see her face again, from
time to time, there, in the sky above…
We only hope that when it’s time for us to go her way, that she’ll be there to show us around ,
whenever comes that day. Her love was life and happiness, and in her steps we trace, the way
to live a better life…….. In some fantastic place.”
Chris Difford