Margaret Louise McDonald Ibach passed away peacefully at the age of 95 in Jacksonville, Florida. Born March 15, 1929, Margaret Louise, known affectionately as Louise, led a remarkable life filled with love, adventure, and dedication to her family and faith.
Louise graduated from Landon High School in 1947. Following graduation, she started a family and spent many years raising her children. She later had a career that spanned over three decades at Prudential Insurance Company, where she held the position of Supervisor. She also obtained an Associates Degree in Business from FJC.
Faith and community at Hogan Baptist Church, where she was a member since birth, brought Louise great joy. There she found solace and strength throughout her life.
An avid traveler, Louise explored 39 states across America, including memorable trips to Alaska and Hawaii. Her international journeys took her to Canada, Mexico, Japan, and throughout Europe, where she delighted in connecting with her Scottish heritage and her husband, Herman’s Swiss heritage. Her travels were enriched anytime she could visit family, and especially enjoyed time with her daughter Jeannie and her family in North Carolina, and her son Mike and his family in Tennessee.
Louise found joy in square dancing with her husband Herman and treasured the Scottish Highland Games where she reveled in the sounds of bagpipes playing "Scotland the Brave” when they traveled to serve as judges.
Herman and Louise spent many years bringing smiles to many around Jacksonville as Topper and Hi-Hat the clown. Her favorite job though, outside of being the matriarch of her family, was serving alongside Herman as the Official Mrs. Claus for the City of Jacksonville. A position she held proudly for 26 years. She attended the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Michigan for four years where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in being Mrs. Claus. Louise was the perfect Mrs. Claus. She loved the spirit of the season and bringing joy to children. Rumor has it, she holds the official record for the most delivered readings of “The Night Before Christmas.”
Above all, Louise was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, who valued family above all else. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and resilience, inspiring everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Margaret Louise McDonald Ibach is survived by her three children Debbie, Mike (wife Vicki), and Jeannie (husband Harry), five grandchildren Charles (wife Ceinwen), Melissa (husband John), April (husband Rodney), Kyle, and Angela (husband Jason), four great-grandchildren Megan (husband Christian), Trevor, Carrie, Ava, and one great-great-granddaughter Nora Louise, named for her. All of her grandchildren believed they were her favorite. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her unwavering love and remarkable spirit.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Ibach, and parents Rainey and Rosalee McDonald who were waiting with open arms in heaven for her.
A visitation for Margaret will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hardage Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home at 4300 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207. A graveside service for Margaret will be held Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
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