Margaret Carmona

Born into humble beginnings as one of five children, Margie was raised by devoted parents—her mother, a homemaker who sewed to help make ends meet, and her father, a sign painter. She often spoke fondly of her childhood and shared treasured memories of her father lovingly repainting her doll’s face each Christmas and decorating her doll carriage, while her mother would sew new clothes for her dolls.

Margie’s lifelong passion for art and crafts was evident from an early age. She learned to crochet as a young girl from the kind women who gathered on the front porch of her apartment building, charmed by her sweet nature. That early spark of creativity remained with her well into her 90s. Margie painted watercolors, often with her great-grandchildren, and delighted loved ones with hand-sewn dolls, blankets, and gifts. Guests at her grandchildrens’ weddings were gifted handmade treasures—crocheted teacups, high-heeled shoes, and flowers—as heartfelt favors.

Margie adored her family and was known for her thoughtful letters and sweet packages, always spritzed with her favorite perfume.

A dedicated student, she graduated from a commercial high school where she learned teletyping and interned at Western Electric. It was shortly thereafter that she met the “love of her life”, James (pre-deceased), on a blind date. They were engaged within two weeks and spent the next 70 years happily married, often sharing with their children and grandchildren the secrets to their enduring love.

Margie worked for the State of New York in both secretarial and caregiving roles, while she and James balanced opposite shifts to care for their children. Their home became a hub of joy and celebration, famous for weekend pool parties filled with music, dancing, and her signature rice and chicken. Friends traveled from the city just to be part of the fun.

After retirement, Margie and James moved to Florida, embracing their roles as full-time grandparents. They spent their golden years dancing at every event (earning the nickname "the dancers"), boating, road-tripping across Florida, and volunteering for AARP and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Margie’s kindness, warmth, and gratitude made everyone feel welcome. A visit to her home meant leaving with a full heart and a full plate—usually featuring her beloved rice and chicken, fried plantains, and empanadas.

Margie is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

In addition to flowers, donations in Margie’s memory may be made to her favorite charity: Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am - 11:00 am on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel, 5000 CR 46A, Sanford, Florida 32771. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am with entombment to follow in Oaklawn Park Cemetery. The family will host a reception immediately following the service in the cemetery.