Margaret Therese Nordbye, of Rochester, died Saturday morning, August 22, 2020 at the age of 101. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Earl, her parents Charles and Mary Gillen of Carbondale, PA, and her eight siblings, Edward Gillen, Mary Woodworth, Kathryn Gallagher, Ann Henry, Florence Wendt, Agnes Rexer, Charles Gillen and James Gillen, as well as several nieces and nephews. Margaret is survived by numerous other nieces and nephews, and their families.
Born and raised in Carbondale, Margaret met her future husband, WWII Army serviceman Earl Nordbye, while she was living in New York City. After their marriage Margaret and Earl moved to Rochester where she was to live the rest of her long life. She and Earl purchased a home in her beloved Ellwanger-Barry neighborhood where she resided for over 60 years. Unfortunately, however, their happy marriage was cut short by Earl’s untimely death in 1976.
Margaret was rightfully proud to have been a “Lifetime Volunteer.” She served as a member of the Meals on Wheels program for over 45 years. In addition, she was a long-time volunteer at both the Rochester Psychiatric Center and Monroe Community Hospital, and was a Gray Lady for the American Red Cross. A devout Roman Catholic, Margaret was a member of the Legion of Mary and the Council of Catholic Women, and was a faithful parishioner of her neighborhood’s St. Boniface Church. She enjoyed singing in church choirs and was an enthusiastic Girl Scout Leader.
Always a welcoming and gregarious person, during her long life Margaret forged a great many friendships in her neighborhood and far beyond. She was very proud to be an American and staunchly proud of her Irish and Catholic heritage. She will be sorely missed by her many relatives and those others lucky to have had their lives cross hers.
Relatives & friends may call on Thursday, Aug. 27th from 4-7PM at the Funeral Home of ALVAH HALLORAN & SON, 2125 Chili Ave., Gates. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM on Friday, Aug. 28th at St. Boniface Church, 330 Gregory St., Rochester. Interment in White Haven Memorial Park. All attending the calling hours and Funeral Mass must wear masks and social distancing guidelines must be followed.
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