Margaret Elizabeth Irvine

Margaret Elizabeth (File) Irvine, 90, of Springfield, was born May 17, 1919, in Waverly, IL and departed this life on April 18, 2010 at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL. Maggie was the daughter of the late Beatrice File. She worked as a bookkeeper for Walgreens during "The War." On January 12, 1946, she married William. J. Irvine, Sr., O.D., and to this union they added three children: William J. Irvine, Jr., O.D.; Timothy M. Irvine; and Patricia E. (Irvine) Barge. Dr. Irvine, Sr. preceded her in death, as did her son, Timothy. Maggie assisted in the running of the family's optometric practice as well as served the Chief Executive Officer of the family home. She volunteered to raise awareness and resources for several charitable causes, including the March of Dimes, and Blessed Sacrament Parish School. Maggie loved to jitterbug, bowl, golf, and play cards. When she found her body aging but her mind soundly intact, she dedicated her energies to mastering the game of bridge and watching the other sports on television. However, she was spotted jitterbugging to Lawrence Welk in her living room upon occasion in recent years. Maggie was an active member of the Springfield Bridge Center and graciously opened her home to many a foursome. Survivors include William J. Irvine, Jr. and wife Robin of Springfield; Patricia Barge and husband John of Dexter, MO; sister Dorothy Pranski of Tucson, AZ; sister-in-law Rosemary Rockelmann of Evanston, IL; and several nieces and nephews. Grandchildren include Margaret Rimel of Dexter, MO; John Barge , Jr. and fiance Lisa McGavaran of Sherwood, OR; Lisa Irvine of Taylors, SC; David Irvine of Springfield, IL; Tyler Irvine of Chatham, IL; and Amanda Allen of Springfield, IL. Great grandchildren include Gabriel Rimel of Dexter, MO and Malayna Marx of Springfield, IL. The family wishes to extend its gratitude to Mary Lee Wilson, Mrs. Irvine's loyal friend who cared for her extensively during the final months of her life. A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. The rosary will be recited at 10:45 a.m. Funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to 18 Fore Life Foundation, in care of Scott Kruse, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, MO 63841. Information can be found on their website, www.18forelife.org.