Margaret A. McDermott

July 25, 1928 – January 10, 2017

Margaret McDermott, 88, of West Orange and Brick, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. Visiting hours will be on Friday, January 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 145 E. Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 21, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, One Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, NJ, followed by the committal service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ.

Maggie Anne Bradley was born in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, Ireland, on July 25, 1928, to Kate Fox and Michael Bradley. She courageously emigrated to the U.S. in 1950, was always exceedingly proud of her Irish heritage, and continued the close knit bonds with her family through frequent trips back “home”. This served as the foundation of a zest for life that was strongly rooted in relationships with her loved ones.

Margaret married John McDermott in 1952, and they were married for 59 years until John's death in 2011.

Always ready to laugh, Margaret was happiest when surrounded by her family and large group of close friends. She was known as the life of every party, as was exemplified by her infectious laugh, sense of humor, and never wanting to leave the dance floor. It was her greatest pleasure to encourage everyone in the room to sing and perform for her entertainment. She remarkably has sustained several very long loving friendships in her lifetime (the longest being a childhood friend of 80+ years).

An inspiration to all, Margaret was incredibly kind, warm, loving, generous, and had an unconditional love for all her girls. She was an avid swimmer and walker for several decades.

Margaret was the youngest daughter of the late Kate Fox and Michael Bradley and sister to the late Mary Frost, Patrick Bradley, and Michael Bradley.  She is survived by her sister, Kathleen Eames, brother-in-law, Martin Eames, and several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Margaret was a loving mother and took great pride in her three daughters, Kathleen (Jeffrey) Smith, Mary Neilan, Eileen (Brian) Bremer, four granddaughters, Vanessa (Skender) Daerti, Kerry Bremer, Micaelie Bremer, Caroline Smith, and one great-granddaughter, Adriana Erin Daerti.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Orange.