Margaret Ann Pryke

Margaret was born on July 19, 1945, and raised in the suburbs of London, England, near Heathrow Airport. She was the daughter of Robert and Jessie (Hill) Martin, both of whom preceded her in death. After completing her education, Margaret pursued a career in nursing and later as a midwife, assisting with deliveries both in hospitals and on the “district.”

In March 1970, Margaret married the love of her life, Ian Walter Pryke. Together, they spent nearly a decade living in Holland and France before relocating to Falls Church, Virginia in 1979 with their three young children.

Over the years, Margaret dedicated countless hours to serving her community and supporting her children’s schools through various volunteer roles. She also served as a chaperone with the Patriots of Northern Virginia and enjoyed traveling the world with Ian and their children. Perhaps one of her most meaningful roles was as a grandmother. For fifteen years, she opened her home to provide loving childcare for each of her five grandchildren, creating cherished memories and lasting bonds.

Nothing brought Margaret greater joy than spending time with her family. She treasured birthday celebrations, Sunday roast dinners, holiday gatherings, and weekly TGIF get-togethers. Most of all she looked forward to the family’s annual beach vacation in Sandbridge, where countless memories were made together.

In her later years, Margaret enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: completing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, reading murder mysteries, and taking leisurely walks hand-in-hand with Ian through the City of Falls Church, often stopping for coffee along the way.

Margaret will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, unwavering devotion to her family, and the quiet generosity with which she cared for others throughout her life.

Margaret is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ian; her brother and sister-in-law, John and Val Martin; her daughter, Bethany Abbott and her husband Jim; her daughter Nadine Farrow; her son Ryan Pryke and his wife Jami; and her five grandchildren: Jamisen and Bryson Abbott, Kingsley and Delaney Farrow, and Liam Pryke. She was preceded in death by her younger brother Peter Martin.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Murphy’s Funeral Home (1102 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046) on Wednesday, September 30th from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. A reception will be held for family and friends in the “party room” at The Byron (513 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046) from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the charities listed below in Margaret’s name.