Mrs. Margaret Pentony

July 3, 1919 - February 16, 2016

Remembering Margie...by Jayne Wheeler One of the first things about my Aunt Margie was her unique laugh and voice in manner of speaking. This always reminded me of my own mother, as they were very much alike. My Mom and Aunt Margie shared an incredible fashion sense; they loved to dress up and loved shopping. They also both loved to sing, especially in gin mills or bars as they used to call them. They were the closest in age of the sisters and they were always very good at bossing the others around. I remember the house on Bevy Court when it was still a beach house and therefore below the street. Margie moved in there as a bride. Seamus had bought the house for his parents and they lived there together. The entrance was "down" several steps. Margie and Seamus eventually renovated it completely. However, the odd thing was that the last thing to be added were the front steps. So for years the entrance was through the kitchen because the front of the house had no steps. It was all cinderblock. Just in case someone dared to go out the front door they would have something to jump down on to instead of dirt. Margie loved to call her sisters "sister" which is something that my daughters continue to emulate. I remember all the parties, card games and visits where the main ingredient was always laughter. Margie really enjoyed saying and doing outrageous things for her younger sisters. There were always a lot of gatherings at her house for the sisters and brothers. For one event in particular, Margie tried to convince them all that they should collectively talk to their children about sex education. I think it was only Jack who was with her on this, being a liberal like herself. The others were aghast at this new concept. These discussions frequently became quite heated but then immediately would be followed by laughter. Next I remember Margie and Nana. Both Margie and my mother made sure Nana always had a new dress and a new hat for every Christmas and Easter. Margie and Teresa took care of Nana after her stroke. Witnessing the love and affection that all of the children had for their mother was beautiful. Nana received the most loving care and Margie in particular was never willing to settle for the status quo for her mother. Calls to the doctor requesting additional therapy in the home, locating foods, which Nana found enjoyable and insisting on doing the exercises that were prescribed for Nana were only some of the touchstones of her care. Mama received only the best...she was beloved by all her children. Staying in Margie's home was very comfortable for Nana. Both Margie and Teresa closely monitored her care. They took turns taking care of her for over three years. I also remember when Margie started to foster babies. This was something she obviously enjoyed and loved, even though the difficulty in giving them up was so painful. That is of course until Barbara came along. She became the light of their lives and all celebrated the joy of adopting her. Having Barbara in their lives was transforming. Both Margie and Seamus doted on their little girl. Barbara made their family more complete. I remember Margie talking about Barbara's beautiful golden hair. "Like spun gold", she always said. Margie always pointed out every gift and talent given to this beautiful baby with the golden hair. All the members of our family always wanted to be involved with each other! What a beautiful gift we have been given...the lesson to love one another as God has loved us...Love, Jayne