Margo Kathleen Irace

At an early age, Margo and her family (including four siblings) moved to Manhattan, NY. Margo was educated in the NY Public School system, graduating from Seward Park H.S. in June 1964. Margo met John “aka Scott” Irace, the love of her life in her early teens. In October 1964, Margo and John were married, and moved to Bronx, NY.

Margo, having three younger sisters, always loved children. Margo and John quickly became the parents of two sons, John Scott Irace and Richard Octavio Irace, born in 1965 and 1966. Margo’s full-time job was mother/wife/homemaker (in that order). Margo was a wonderful mom. She was loving and took great care of her children, spending all of her time with them. Making certain they were the best they could be while ensuring their lives were happy and fun. Occasionally, especially during the holiday season, Margo would work outside of the home, but only part time as she was not comfortable leaving her children with just any babysitter. As the years moved on, Margo and John began to think about adding one more to their family. And, 10 years after Richard’s birth, in 1976, Gia Melanie Monique Irace, Margo’s daughter, was born. Margo’s family was complete. With the boys growing up, Margo had Gia on which to dote. Food was a highlight in the Irace home. Margo was an excellent cook, and everyone clamored for an invitation to Sunday Dinners, and all holiday dinners and parties. And all were welcome to just drop in.

In the late 70’s, Margo became an in-home childcare provider for the children of her neighbors and friends. In the early 80’s, she became licensed with the City of New York to provide in-home childcare. Margo’s business flourished, as her reputation was far reaching. She rarely had vacancies, practically having a waiting list for her services.

But as time passed and Margo’s children were becoming more independent, she began exploring outside employment. Margo held several jobs over the next few years, including office clerk and payroll specialist in an independent group home, and social services customer service representative for the City of New York.

To avail herself for more, Margo decided to return to school to further her education. Margo, who excelled at anything she wanted to accomplish, earned a BA in Liberal Arts from the College of New Rochelle in May 1996.

In late 1997, Margo moved to Florida, seeking a position that would allow her to utilize what she had learned in school. Margo became employed with Great Oaks Village (“GOV”) in January 1998. Margo worked as a Family/Teacher Supervisor until her retirement in October 2013. However, due to Margo’s love for children, she returned to GOV as a limited hours part-time worker, where she remained employed until her transition.

Margo was bitten by the travel bug when her children were young. As a family they went on camping trips, frequently visited nearby states and did a cross-country road trip with several other families. But Margo also traveled with a group of friends who later in life became known as The OLGs. Margo scheduled at least one annual major trip with her family and one with the OLGs. As Margo’s zest for travel continued, she would meet people, talk travel and once she knew them well enough travel with them. Margo made a host of friends in this manner. Margo traveled with family, friends, coworkers, and friends of friends. If there was a trip to a place of interest to her, she would travel with almost anyone. Margo’s travel increased along with her years, and she traveled as frequently as she could. Margo has traveled to over 15 countries including: Austria, Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Japan, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, plus numerous Caribbean countries, and American States.

It cannot be emphasized enough how much Margo loved children. Her greatest joy was the birth of and the relationship she had with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Margo felt so blessed and proud to have every one of them. Margo made each one feel special. And, it was nearly impossible to not look at pictures in her phone of beloved grands and great grands.

Margo was christened into the Catholic faith as a baby. Margo was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church, practicing her faith and belief in God.

Margo will be forever missed. She was preceded in death by her husband John Irace, mother Mary Mantan, sister-in-law Josephine Irace, sisters Jean Bryant and Kim-Sita Ryan, niece Monika Montalvo, nephew Michael Nelson and great nephew Nicholas Nelson. Leaving behind to cherish her memories are her children John (grandsons Jordan, Cameron and Hunter), Richard (wife Tehuana, grandson Richard Jr. and granddaughter Lawanna), Gia (granddaughter Kyrie), sisters Wanda (Cecilio) Edwards and Karlein Hill, great grandchildren, sister/friend Sandra Green, The OLGs and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.