Margaret M. Barkala (nee Comey), 65, of Secaucus, NJ, passed away after a long courageous battle with cancer on August 30, 2018. Everyone will remember her good-heartedness, selflessness, quick wit, smile, and how she always filled the room with sunshine. Born and raised in Jersey City, she went to St Aloysius High School and St Peter’s College. Margaret lived in Secaucus for 35 years. Upon graduating St Peter’s College, Margaret was the Budget Director for the City of Jersey City. Margaret was the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for twenty-two years for the Town of Secaucus, and several years for the Town of Guttenburg. Margaret retired in 2013. She was predeceased by her parents Annette and Martin Comey, and her two brothers Eugene (his wife Kathleen Flanagan), and James Comey. Margaret is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Edward Barkala; two brothers John Comey and his wife Barbara of Cedar Grove, NJ, and Thomas Comey (Retired Chief, JCPD), and his wife Phyllis of Matawan, NJ. Many nieces and nephews. Margaret loved to cook, read, spend time on the beach at her oceanfront condo in North Myrtle Beach, and frequent her favorite stores Marshalls and HomeGoods. She also loved vacationing many times at Disneyworld, and was always most happy during the holidays, especially Christmas, baking for days, as well as spending time with family. Saturday afternoons in the fall were considered game day. It took a few years, but after one visit to Notre Dame Stadium, Margaret became an avid “Fighting Irish” fan.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday September 4, 2018, from 2 – 8 pm, Mack Memorial Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ 07094. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday September 5, 2018 at 9:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 1219 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ 07094. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ. Please consider a contribution in Margaret’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org.
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