Miriam B. McGarrigle

Born in Jaboatão-Pernambuco, Brazil; she lived life to the beat of her own drum and anyone who knew her can attest to this fact. Small in stature with a personality as large as life- she was a force to be reckoned with and convinced there was nothing she couldn’t do.

Miriam’s unwavering faith in her Heavenly Father is the foundation upon which she built her life. She moved to the United States as a teenager to attend school at Mississippi State College. Ever the student, Miriam was always learning. She had her real estate license, she was a certified dental hygienist, a licensed hair dresser and a certified home health aide. This past spring Miriam was enrolled at the Sweet Music Academy taking piano and vocal lessons. Her dream was to sing like her idol Sara Montiel.

After college, Miriam married the love of her life, Edward William McGarrigle. They relocated to Toms River NJ where they started their family. Raising her daughters was among her proudest accomplishments. She provided them all with a strong foundation of love and faith. Becoming a grandmother (and later a great grandmother) filled her heart with joy. She found great fulfillment in spending quality time with her grandkids.

Miriam loved to travel and visited faraway destinations like England, France, Israel, Jordan, Africa, China, Germany & of course her homeland of Brazil. Upon returning from her world tour, she began a new career as an author. Her book, “The June Pearl” was published in 2008.

Miriam was pre-deceased by her parents Abelardo and Hermelinda Pedrosa and her younger brother. Survivors include her sisters Lia, Lucinha, Marlene & Tereza Cristina (& many nieces & nephews), her daughters, Samantha McGarrigle (Lauren) of Ocean, Christine Lynch (Larry) of Toms River & Susan McGarrigle (Joe) of Howell, grandchildren Jordan, Alexis, & Christian Lynch, Marissa, Cassandra & Julianna DiFabio & her great-grandchildren Aria & Everly Lynch.

While her departure was unexpected and left us all in turmoil, we take comfort in knowing that she is back with her beloved Edward and at peace with the Lord.

A memorial service with viewing and visitation will be held to celebrate her extraordinary life on Wednesday, April 20th from 4-8pm at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home located at 703 Main Street Toms River, NJ 08753. A live stream of the service will broadcast via the web. Check www.facebook.com/samantha.m.mcgarrigle for more information. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.