Margaret Alice Whelan

That means she made the time to do things that brought her joy; taking her kids for a midnight milkshake or malt, staying up late to read a good book, and going to amusement parks. Her favorite color, fuchsia, said a lot about Margaret and her life; bright and bold.

Margaret really liked the movies, she’d go Tuesdays for the senior discount matinee. She liked grabbing a bite to eat with her friends. Breakfast was her favorite meal, which often included grits, nearly burnt rye toast (with a generous amount of butter) and tomato juice. Margaret also loved ice cream, particularly root beer floats. She’d treat you to a hot fudge sundae (with pecans of course!) from Malley’s – just like her parents did for her – and she loved Baskin Robbins’ German chocolate cake ice cream. However, she preferred to take the cones outside and enjoy them in the sunshine, sitting in the parking lot over by the trees (to protect her Irish skin).

Despite her Catholic upraising - born to John Fitzgerald and Mary Kate Argabrite of Lincoln Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio - Margie liked to occasionally flaunt authority. She wasn’t one to care much – really none at all – of what others thought of her. She never felt the need to keep up with the Joneses, rather, she kinda enjoyed shocking them. Her dear friend Jack and his boyfriend lived in her attic and helped babysit her kids – something that was taboo in the ‘80s on the red brick block of Virginia Avenue.

Margaret was a great listener and gave good advice. A common reply when consulted on a big decision was “Well, when else are you going to do that?” Whether it be taking an expensive overseas trip, or wearing rhinestones. “Why not? Be good to yourself,” she’d say.

Margaret was very good to those she loved; her siblings, extended nieces, nephews, godchildren and especially her own children and grandchildren. Her kids were her pride and joy. Margie had married her childhood sweetheart; her and John Whelan had their own John, affectionally called Johnny (wife Lisa), their own Margaret, called Meghan (husband Kevin Corrigan), and Bridget (husband Daniel De Chagas). Despite divorce, Margaret and John remained dear friends and with step-grandmother Barbara Redd, enjoyed six grandchildren: Jack, Caitlin and Ryan Whelan; Lillian (Lilly) Corrigan and Theodore (Teddy) and Zachary De Chagas. Margaret, known as Meemaw, absolutely delighted in her grandchildren’s lives – they had no bigger fan at sporting and dance events. She’d show up hours beforehand to get the best seat, and she’d save one for you too.

Before retirement, Margaret was a labor and delivery nurse for over four decades. She was an exceptional nurse because of her diligence and keen attention to detail. She estimates she helped bring over 1,000 babies into the world, including many of her own family members.

The last few months of Margaret’s life were spent at home, per her wishes, in the care of her children. She remarked what a great job they did, but really it was Margaret herself who was the head nurse in charge right down to her last moments. The end of her life was much like rest – directed by herself with precision and care for the patient. She preferred not to sugarcoat things, ever. Margaret was direct, which many a patient over the years said they appreciated about her. She told you what you needed to do but made you chuckle along the way. She knew how to get through the hard stuff. That was Margaret. She had high standards, was incredibly resilient and prideful, yet she also knew laughter made the journey of life easier, lighter.

Margaret’s family, her children and her siblings: James Fitzgerald, Sheila Smith Brewer, Patrick Fitzgerald, and MaryEllen Fitzgerald welcome you to share your own memory of her. Please know, the family appreciates everyone who helped make her life brighter – more sparkly – just like Margie.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass Friday, February 18, 2022, at 11:30 AM at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church 20970 Lorain Rd. Fairview Park, 44126, where family will receive friends 11 AM until time of Mass.

“A light luncheon will be held after the mass in the church social hall to celebrate Margaret’s life. Relatives and friends are welcome.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.corrigancraciun.com for the Whelan family.