Margaret H. Irwin (Margo) 89. Surrounded by family, Margo passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord the morning of February 27, 2020. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she is survived by her loving husband of 67 years Hugh, children Kathy Celentano (Fred), Chrissy Biasetti, Jesse (Sue), Amy Toth (Lanse), Alison Jameson (Peter), 21 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and companion Patty Harper.
A celebration of her magnificent life of love will be held March 7th at 11am at the Pittsford Community Church, 421 Marsh Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Margaret Moore Hawkins Irwin was born August 15, 1930, to Eleanor and Edward Hawkins. As the youngest of 5, she was both adored and teased by her beloved siblings: Joan, Edward, Robert, and Marion. All of the Hawkins possessed a wicked sense of humor.
Margo studied at Michigan State and later became a stenographer for the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce-Better Business Bureau. In 1952 a handsome Chili NY native- Marine Pilot Hugh E Irwin fell in love with Margo and she with him. They married just 3 months after their first date. Fast forward, 67 years brought 5 children, 21 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. Oh, what FUN!
Our mom loved 4 things (ok, 5 if you count chocolate). Mom loved Jesus, Dad, all humans (especially babies) and animals. The Irwin household was always full of kids and pets, including cats, dogs, rabbits, gerbils and even pet tarantulas for a while (Thank you, Jesse).
When we moved from Atlanta, Ga. to Pittsford NY, the barren street grew from a few houses to an actual neighborhood. Here, Mom loved monthly bridge games with her girlfriends on High Oaks Dr. and Bromley Rd. With all 5 kids now in school, she found some time for another game: GOLF! Mom became an avid golfer at Locust Hill Country Club and even won a Club Championship.
Despite Dad’s busy schedule at Kodak, they both supported their kids attending countless football games, cheerleading, beauty pageants (Kathy and Chrissy – NOT JESSE), gymnastics, wrestling, musicals, and concerts. When grandkids arrived, soccer was added to the mix!
In 1977, Mom accepted Jesus into her heart, and she poured her energy into Bible Studies, church and serving others. For years, she volunteered at Strong Memorial Hospital doing what she did best – Loving babies. Holding and nurturing both healthy and health-challenged newborns made such a difference. She wanted all children to know how much they were loved.
When her own children started having kids, she shared the same unconditional love with each of them. Summertime was especially memorable as she not only taught them to swim, but also showed them how to do her famous back dive. GRAMMY GIRL was her beloved name. Her popcorn was the best and her loving patience changed lives forever.
After Dad retired from Kodak, Mom got the opportunity to spend more time with him and travel the world. This included wonderful cruises, trips Hawaii, Alaska and to visit both Chrissy’s and Jesse’s families in Atlanta and they even made it to Switzerland when the Jamesons lived there for 4 years. Back at in Rochester, mom adored attending countless Celentano, Toth, and Jameson kids’ activities. What a wonderful life!
10 years ago, we noticed the onset of Parkinson’s symptoms, and neurologists confirmed the diagnosis. That began the new normal. Despite the trials and though her health declined, Mom’s light never diminished. She continued to celebrate weddings, sporting events, bridal and baby showers. On her last days here on earth, she smiled and giggled and even ate some yummy chocolate. We bet Godiva does not hold a candle to Heaven’s chocolate.
We are forever indebted to Amy Toth and her husband Lanse, Dad, Mom’s Doctors, Nurses, Caregivers (including Patty, Stephanie, Ashleigh, and Trish), other family members (Kathy, Fred, Chrissy, Jesse, Sue, Alison, Peter) and many friends. They have been a rock and unconditional support to Margaret Hawkins Irwin. Amy’s selfless love has especially made the last chapter of Mom and Dad’s life together, a beautiful journey of grace and love. I Corinthians, Chapter 13 comes to mind. Mommy, we love you, and we thank you for being you!
