Margaret Rose Garfield

Margaret Garfield (neé Daley) passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, after spending her final years surrounded by love and care in Houston, Texas, in the home of her son Rich Garfield and daughter-in-law Jen. Marge is survived by her sons and their families: Rich and Jen Garfield, grandchildren Emma and Owen of Houston, TX; Geoff and Katie Garfield, grandchildren Jack, Hallie, Marley, and Fiona of Darien, CT; Alex & KC Garfield and grandchildren Emma and Alex, Jr. of Sarasota, FL. Margie is also survived by her sisters Mary, Peggy and Gerry (Bill) and brother Michael (Patricia) and many nieces, nephews, and grand ones, too. Margaret has now joined husband Dick, her parents, Jeremiah and Ellen Daley, and sisters Kathleen and Patricia “Patsy”.

Born and raised in the Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore, Margie was one of six spirited Daley sisters, with a younger brother rounding out the bustling household. She carried the strength, warmth, and humor of her roots into every chapter of her life. In 1964, she married Richard “Dick” Garfield, and together they raised three sons—first in Evanston/Chicago, then Edina, Minnesota, and eventually settling in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Marge poured herself into family life, earning countless "#1 Mom" awards in the process. She was not only a devoted mother and grandmother but also a steadfast partner. Her love and care for Dick during his final years were a testament to the enduring strength of their more than 50-year marriage. Marge was also a devout Catholic and lived her life with her faith as her guide.

Never one to sit still, Margie returned to school and earned a master’s in social work in 1982. She dedicated herself to helping those in some of the most underserved areas—from remote New Jersey mountain communities with the Salvation Army to the St. Agatha Orphanage. Another passionate project was Marge's support for the Paterson Public School District libraries. She joined a good friend, Robin, to adopt two tough neighborhood school libraries. In addition to gathering and stocking hundreds of books on the shelves, Marge and Robin spent many happy hours reading and entertaining children. Her empathy and commitment touched countless lives, one troubled soul or child at a time.

To mark her 50th year, she ran the NYC Marathon—just one example of her boundless energy and zest for life. Whether skiing, playing tennis and paddle, gardening, or going for long walks, Margie embraced an active lifestyle well into her 70s.

Margie leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have been cared for by her, laughed with her, or simply basked in her presence.

Services will be held in some of her most special places, with gatherings planned in Maryland and on Bustins Island, Maine. Final arrangements will be shared soon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities, www.catholiccharitiesusa.org and Reading is Fundamental, https://www.rif.org/.