Recovering from my first procedure, that first night when you are nervous to get some sleep because you know you will most likely wake up in pain and you do not know how bad it will be. She is always there. 2 in the morning I am able to call and some how she answers and knows exactly what to say. " this soon shall pass" "you are so strong and I am here with you." Telling us like it is, "this is going to hurt and it sucks, but it will get better each day." Say your prayers nice and slow, "Dear God please calm my Christian soul it needs a rest"

Mom supported all our passions by being our biggest cheerleaders. While pursuing my path for art, I veered into the engineering world out at NIU. I was not able to make this jump without our Mom. She would drive all the way to DeKalb, take me to Moraine Valley back in Palos for  Calculus exams, wait for me outside and drive me right back to NIU. She wanted our dreams to come true and for us to never give up. Rarely can you have your cake and eat it too. 

One of my best memories was when she would make us our birthday cakes. No store boughts, she would make it with love and so much frosting. She loved the tall coffee cakes too, I even verified this with sharing her memories this week with family over all the photos back in the day. Sisters weekend away with sisters and cousins. They would go away for the weekend at least once a year with no kids, no husbands, just be together. This was a staple in their lives and the highlight of the year. I highly recommend everyone creates this special time away together. 


Mom, your love will continue to guide us, your memory will continue to inspire us. Thank you for being the heart of our family. We love you, always and forever. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Your love, your laughter, and your spirit will forever be a part of us. Rest in peace always.

Another past time includes her cousins, friends, and family going camping usually for memorial day weekend. So many stories and some photographic evidence of the events. One time there was a tornado that actually blew threw the campsite while everyone was sleeping so the story goes. When they woke up and got out of their tents the site was destroyed even some trees down. Yet they survived!

Adventure club trips everywhere. We've been camping, road trips to Florida, even Disney Land, the  Missouri caves, Wyoming at the Yellowstoen National Park, hiking in starved rock. She loved the outdoors and taught us to appreciate the beauty of nature. She was able to go on a trip with her best friends to Ireland, she explored Europe and again with her mother traveling overseas. She turned dreams into realities with hard work and perseverance. 

I'm told she is the cool aunt Margaret and would be up late playing Mario and taking turns trying to get to the next level.

Kindness is so important to her. The golden rule "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Everywhere we went mom would make friends almost immediately. In the early years it seems like she always knew everyone. In the recent years of her strength battling different events with hospital overnight visits, we would come back the next day to visit her and everyone would know her. They would be laughing and listening to the Creedance Clearwater Revival music I call it, you know the good stuff. 


Our mom continues to be there for us at every moment before we even know we need her. She took time to make us feel special and always gave it her all above and beyond. 

I remember coming home from school to surprise snacks not just sugary ones but also healthy. The angel food cakes topped with fruit she cut up for me brother, stepbrother, and I. She would take time to ask us about our day and listen to our dilemas at the time. I always think of these good times when I pass by kiwis in the grocery store.

Good morning everyone. We are gathered here today to remember and celebrate the life of Margaret Mary Pimentel, a beloved Nana, mother, sister, companion, partner, friend, and daughter. 

She was born in Chicago as the baby of the O'Donnell family. Mom had a large family with many sisters. 

Her first job was at Little Company of Mary while her last job was at Christ. She was a book keeper, a systems analyst, computer installer and troubleshooter for the family. 

Mom persevered through her journey with Fibromyalgia. She had one of the first books ever written about it and would speak at groups sharing how she is coping and learning to fight the pain. I dont have memories of her struggling or pain, later in life she says that's why sometimes we would play in bed or lay on the floor together. She is a brain cancer and tumor survivor. She is so strong and such a fighter! On her Oligodedroglioma jounery, by her side was all the family and friends by more specificslly her sister Rita and boyfriend Steve, and now more recently my brother Ben and I as we grew up and understood more what she was going through. She kicked but in speech therapy and never gave up. The struggle sucked and I remember she was so defeated and embarrassed she was down at a 3rd grade reading level but she worked hard and came back. We all turned her MRI trips into adventure dates. Making cool stops on the way back or making sure to drive by the lake. 

She loved steak too. A favorite was going out for dinner with her family and friends. 


Some pass time would be going for a ride on the town with friends. I'm told she always had the car, whether it was her mothers or a boyfriends. They always made stops for french fries too. Mom has the most friends, life long friends like sisters. I learned a lot about friendship through them. It is so eyeopening to see the different personalities and many laughters of honesty and true good times.

Ashley,
It's been a long time.  I am so sorry to hear about your mom's passing.  She was such a nice lady and raised some fabulous kids.
I remember you as such a sweet girl and what a loving mother you had.  
You are all in my thoughts and prayers,
Ellen Boyd (from Evergreen Park)
Emily and Claire send their loves and condolences.

I am so sorry to hear about Margaret, she went through so much in life and Still kept a positive attitude and was a wonderful Mother and friend. Susan and Kathy will miss her every  day , God be with them !
Love 
Aunt Dorothy O’Donnell

Margaret and I were together for 28yrs and we loved each other deeply, didn't always see eye to eye but  we got through it, she never thought after her 1st tumor she would have had a great life so long after. I know she is sitting at the table eating her unlimited lobster. I asked for a sign from her last night and today I had a cardinal land across the canal behind my house, so I know she is happy now. I MISS YOU SO MUCH DEAR!!!!

I am so sorry for your lost .. I just seen her last year .. God bless . RIP.  My,Friend .💔

My Sincerest Condolences to you Ashley and your Family, my thoughts and prayers are with during this time.

OBITUARY

Margaret M Pimentel

3 March, 1959 – 21 February, 2026

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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