Margaret Mary Gurba

1943 - 2019

Margaret Mary Gurba obituary, 1943-2019, New Orleans, LA

BORN

1943

DIED

2019

Margaret Gurba Obituary

October 26, 1943 - January 5, 2019 Margaret Mary Gurba (McDermott), 75, passed away on January 5, 2019 after a long illness. Margaret was a native of Philadelphia and later resided in Gretna and Harvey, Louisiana for the past 45 years. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, John and Agnes (Whelan) McDermott, and her brothers John "Jack" (Toni) McDermott and Francis "Frank" (Sue) McDermott. She is survived by one brother James McDermott. She will be missed by a host of nieces and nephews and mostly by her six children; Ronald Jr. "Ronnie", John (Ashley), Beth Anne (Santos) Gonzales, Meg (Matthew) McKinney, Amy (Bryant) McGuire, and Christopher (Kelley), grandchildren; Kristen, Hallie, Faith, Melanie, Coral, Jewell, John Patrick Jr., Jeremy, Jordan, Jarek, Jacqui, Jacob "JT", Abigail "Abby" and soon to be 14th grandchild Ashlynn Margaret, and great-grandchildren; Brayden, Zaden, Zelek, Nora and a baby girl, Alana - due later this month. Margaret graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High in 1961. After graduation, she worked for the Northern Bell Telephone Company. She then met and married (1963) her former husband of nearly 35 years. Margaret dedicated her life to nurturing and rearing her six children and being a supportive military wife. During their years in the Navy, she traveled extensively, including living in Morocco, Africa for two years. After raising her children, Margaret went back to work with the Jefferson Parish School Board as an Assistant Teacher. She took great pride in educating and encouraging young people. After retiring in 2010, she volunteered in nursing homes and became an invaluable resource to a few cherished and ailing friends. Margaret was a devout Catholic who leaves behind a large family of whom she was immensely proud. She was a funny, loyal, irreverent, crazy and devoted mom and grandma. She was a kind-hearted and compassionate person who could talk endlessly on any subject (and often did)! Margaret never held back her opinion and always told the truth (as she saw it) even if it was not what you wanted to hear. She was the type of person who would, literally, give you the shirt off of her back if you needed it. In her final selfless act, Margaret chose to donate her body to LSU Health & Medical Studies. A Mass will be said in her name at noon on Saturday, January 19th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. A private Celebration of Life will be held by her immediate family. Memorable contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and/or American Stroke Association.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Jan. 10 to Jan. 13, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Gurba

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Such a wonderful woman I'll never forget your kindness. You're surely missed.

John McCready

January 4, 2020

Margaret, You were always a dear and loyal
friend. We have known each other since second grade. I remember eating popsicles on your front steps on a hot summer day and laughing at silly things. I will miss you. I could always call you and count on you saying something funny that would make me laugh. I am happy that you no longer have to suffer. You did enough suffering. You deserve peace
and joy in heaven. You left your mark on earth. Beautiful children and grandchildren who love you and will miss you. Find a spot for Joe and I in heaven.

Love,
Kay and Joe Kenney

January 15, 2019

My deepest condolences to the Gurba family in their time of sorrow. May God wrap his loving arms around you and comfort you.

Phillip Kuhn

January 14, 2019

Margaret warm a very caring person that was always in my heart. The world is missing someone special today. I'll never forget her. John McCready

January 13, 2019

My condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. May the God of all comfort be with you during your time of sorrow. (Psalm 145:19)

January 13, 2019

Condolences to each of you as you mourn your mother s passing. Margaret lives on on each of you - in your hearts and in your minds. She was a special person who raised each of you to be the the unique and responsible people you are today. You are her living legacy and her greatest accomplishment. She rests in peace and in God s arms who sends his comfort to you.

Greg and Diane Staszak

January 12, 2019

We knew Margaret since 2012, she has been great neighbor to us, she is a kindness, Funny ,talkative, confident, strong,beautiful and warm heart person, we always remember the look when she smiled. And we will keep this in our heart for ever! We miss you, Margaret! Love ,Henry and Crystal and Nick ngai and Tianle ethan Ngai

Ping Liu

January 11, 2019

My family have come to know Ms Margaret from 1990 until her death. Our Thoughts and Prayers are extended to the family she leave behind. MAY GOD BLESS YOU!

Davidf & Mary Way

January 11, 2019

I send my thoughts and prayers to the Gurba family, in this time of need, I will truly miss my girl Mrs. Margaret, she was my favorite at RB.

Charlete Johnson

January 11, 2019

Margaret was a much loved and very dear family friend. My dad used to call her the big Kahuna , she would get a kick out of that and just laugh. I and my family have known her for over 35 years, she met my mom at church and developed a long lasting friendships with my parents, myself, sister and her children and grandchildren. She even came to my 20 year high school reunion, and got to socialize with and meet a lot of my friends. Morgie, as I called her, was embracing to all. She and I would spend hours on the phone solving all the world's problems. She call me the President and I told her, she was the VP and together we could set this world straight. Margaret had a keen sense of humor. She had a lot of wisdom and insights, and was very down-to-earth. One could talk to Margaret about anything. I loved her dearly, and knew that she loved her children and grandchildren dearly. I had so many conversations with her about them, I felt as I knew them all, not just the ones I have had the pleasure to meet and know. I know God loved her too and knew how much I did because he allowed me to take an unexpected trip to New Orleans in December and I , my niece and her daughter, and cousin were able to visit with her. We FaceTimed my sister too. Our deepest sympathy to: John, & Christopher, Meg, Beth-Ann, and Amy and each of the grandchildren, in-laws, and other family members and friends.
My love & prayers to each of you forever and ever.
Roslyn

Roslyn Roy

January 11, 2019

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

American Heart Association American Stroke Association

January 11, 2019

To my beautiful Mother! You have always been Our Guiding Light. You are missed more than words can say. I miss your beautiful smile and your concern for all of us. Your children were your life. We all are having a hard time with grieving your loss, but we are all trying to be there for each other. You've always wanted us to be close.
I'd give anything to have you back her with us, but God wanted you Home.
I hope God will let you be there when it is our time.
We all love you sooo very much and you are missed more than words can say.
I hope you are with your family and finally have peace.
I love you forever and always!
Love,
Meg

Meg McKinney

January 11, 2019

What can I say about one of most wonderful people I have ever known. Mrs. Margaret always made me feel like one of the family and was always welcome at her home. That's the way she treated anyone who she invited into her home. Even as years passed and I had moved to Denham Springs, I find myself thinking about what Margaret would say about certain things. The last time that I had talked to her probably about five years ago was a very short conversation in passing, and wished that I had more time to talk to her. My prayers are going out to Margaret, and to Ronnie, John, Beth Anne, Meg, Amy, and Chris, I am thinking of you all.

Johnny Marchese

January 11, 2019

I did not have the pleasure of knowing this sweet dear lady long enough. Margaret welcomed me into her home as a stranger and 3 days later when we left I knew I had a life long friend. The love she had for her family and friends was unreal. Always helping and doing for others until she couldn't do it anymore.
You will be missed Ms. Margaret and as the golden girls say thank you for being my friend.
Heaven has truly gained another angel.

Joan Broadwater

January 11, 2019

I was sad to hear of the passing of your Mother. Mrs. Margaret was very proud of her work within the school system and mostly of her children and grandchildren. Seeing the successful, confident children she raised is an honor to her dedication to family. God speed Ms. Margaret! I know you will be watching over everyone!


Starlette Cuzzort

Starlette Cuzzort

January 11, 2019

I'm so saddened by the loss of my very dear life long friend, for 73 years. She always cheered me from PA, Africa to NOLA. She had a heart of gold and would do anything to help anyone in need. Rest In Peace my beautiful Margaret. Love you and our memories will stay close in my heart forever.

Cecilia Oshea-Rome

January 11, 2019

Mother, you are missed more than words can say. We all pray that you are with Nana/Grandfather/and our uncles. You were a wonderful Mother!! I always said you deserved a Blue Ribbon! I don't know a stronger woman than you that could raise six children. Your beautiful smile and love for your family will live on through us.
Grieving over you is taking a toll on us, but we are all trying to be there for each other. Just as you always hoped for us. Taking care of each other.
I hope only to make you proud!
I miss you more than anything and would give anything to have you back, but I know you are Home.
We will all be together again. I hope God let's you be there when it's our time.
I'm only going to say See you later.
I love you!!! Rest In Peace
Love,
Meg
XXOO

Meg McKinney

January 10, 2019

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Memorial Events
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Jan

19

Funeral Mass

12:00 p.m.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Belle Chasse, LA

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