Margaret Gabbey Willoz

Margaret “Margo” Gabbey Willoz of Metairie, LA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 92. She was a native of Belfast, Northern Ireland. At six years old, Margo and her sisters, Betty and Ellie, were forever bonded when they were evacuated during the Belfast Blitz bombings of WWII. They were the last to be chosen by a host family because they refused to be separated. They often bemoaned the rationing of sugar, butter and meat. After celebrating V-E Day, her sister, Betty, married an American GI from Arabi, Louisiana and moved there. In true Irish Tradition, the entire family decided to immigrate to America to re-unite.

While awaiting passage to America, Margo worked with her mother folding linens at a factory. After arriving in New Orleans at 12, she continued her education, graduated from high school, and then worked for Gordon’s Transportation as a secretary. She grew to love her new country and became a U.S. citizen. She married Fernand “Randy” Forrester Willoz III in 1958 and became a devoted mother of 2 sons.

Margo enjoyed time spent with her family. She was also a lover of all animals, but she was especially fond of her three Scottish Terriers: Scooter, Rowdy, Duffy, and finally, adored her most recent Havanese dog named PePe. She was always impeccably dressed and glamorously appointed, drinking only champagne on occasion. She fondly recalled Ireland: the smell of heather, the bogs, the fresh open ocean, and waves crashing wildly on the rocks. She had a deep desire to return to Ireland, and in 2015, her sons were able to accompany her there.

Margo was preceded in death by her husband of 60 yrs; parents, James Gabbey and Margaret Geddis Gabbey; sisters, Elizabeth Lotz and Eleanor Koch; and infant brother, Wesley James.

She is survived by her sons, Fernand Forrester “Forrest” Willoz IV (Tania) and Michael James Willoz (Suzette); sister-in-law, Joy Willoz Gustafson (Paul); granddaughters, Margaret, Lacy, Emma Mae, and Helen; step-granddaughters, Chloe and Cali; and numerous beloved nieces.

The services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans LA 70124. The visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. The interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, 3421 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans.

Special thanks to her friends: Faye Henry, Julie Couret and Gail LaMarca.

“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:9-10.