Margaret Mary Fath

Margaret was born in Clogheen Tipperary, Ireland on July 13, 1934, one of eight surviving children. Margaret and two sisters moved to Nottingham, England in their teen years to help support her family and this was where she developed her love of fashion and was known within the family as a fashion plate.

In her 20’s, Margaret became an adventurer and was the only member of her family to move to United States by way of Canada. Margaret’s courageous spirit took her to Winnipeg Manitoba in the 1950’s where she initially worked as a telephone switchboard operator. It was fortuitous that she chose Winnipeg, as that was where she met Frank Fath, the love of her life, on New Year’s Eve 1958. On that special evening Margaret and Frank danced to Ava Maria, which forever became their song. They knew they were a match and married six months later on July 18, 1959.

In 1963, Margaret and Frank moved to the United States and raised their family in Troy Michigan. Margaret’s love of her children, and in fact all children, was known by all and continued throughout her life.

Margaret was devoted to her faith and her family. Her witty, Irish sense of humor could charm acquaintances who quickly became friends. Margaret held several roles in addition to stay-at-homec mother, including retail associate, nanny to Shannon, Erin and Kellen (her favorite job ever), and rectory cook. She honed her already impressive culinary skills by cooking for a houseful of priests and guests before retiring.

Margaret is survived by Frank Fath, her husband of 65 years, and two daughters, Christine Oakley (Glenn) and Ingrid Wengert (Tim), and one sister Pauline Gros. She is predeceased by Philomena Landers, Kitty Armstrong, Christine Dunne, Nancy Griffin, James Landers, and Theresa Lambley.

A memorial prayer service will be held 9:45AM Friday, August 30th at Goble Funeral Home, Sparta, NJ. An inurnment will be 11:00AM Friday, at St. Cecilia Cemetery Mausoleum, Rockaway, NJ.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association (225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor #17 Chicago, IL 60601) or Saint Cecilia Roman Catholic Church (90 Church Street Rockaway, NJ 07866)