Marilyn Joan Magill

In Loving Memory of Marilyn Joan Magill

February 23, 1928 - March 19, 2025

Marilyn Joan ("Gram") Magill, 97, of Plano, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025 surrounded by family. Born on February 23, 1928, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Joan lived a life marked by service, curiosity, resilience, and a deep love for her family and faith. She brought brains, sass, and a fierce poker hand wherever she went.

Her proudest legacy is her family, who she nurtured with sharp humor, strong opinions, and a open heart. She is lovingly remembered by her children Patricia (Gary) Krupa, William (Sharon) Magill, Jacqueline (Michael) Perry, George (Mary Jo) Magill, and Mary (Craig) Freeman, son-in-law, Jim Ferrara, as well as 17 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren (yes, she knew all their birthdays and always sent a card!). She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, William ("Mac") Magill; her daughter, Michele Ferrara; and her sister, Jacqueline Grogan.

Joan's early years were filled with promise and precociousness-she was reading music and playing the piano in the Baby Orchestra by the age of five and was known as a "genius" by the time she reached fifth grade (we have proof). She graduated high school at the age of 16 where she was known as one of her class's "most popular girls" and a member of the Rifle Club as well as the Debate Team (not to anyone's surprise). A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, she carried a sharp intellect and sense of curiosity throughout her life and never stopped learning - encouraging (or forcing) those around her to do the same.

Professionally, Joan was a woman of many talents and passions. She was a teacher, social worker, paralegal, and small business owner. She was a founding board member for the School for Mentally Disturbed Children and ran various political campaigns in her local community. Her legacy of service extended far beyond her work-she was a member of the Our Lady of Angels Parish Grief Committee, a daily Mass attendee, a dedicated Eucharistic Minister, and an active member of the Prayer Shawl Ministry (although they did request that she only provide entertainment, as knitting was not one of her many gifts!).

Outside the church, Joan was a woman of many passions: bridge, travel, reading, online shopping, card games, crossword puzzles, and her daily McDonald's trips with friends. She loved words with friends-both the app and the real-life kind-and found a lively debate or a funny limerick as satisfying as a good hand in bridge. She was an enthusiastic member of the Plano Citizen Police and Fire Academies and a generous (but sometimes aggressive) distributor of candy during the Whiffletree Halloween festivities.

Joan will forever be remembered for the warmth she brought into our lives through her extraordinary cooking; her legacy simmers on as family and friends lovingly recreate her thousands of treasured recipes, notably her beloved Poppy Seed Bread and signature spaghetti sauce, ensuring that every gathering continues to taste of her kindness and care.

Joan leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and fierce independence. She was the heart of her family, the wisdom in every room, and the last one to fold at the bridge table. She will be missed and remembered with joy.

In a final act of generosity, Joan gifted her body to UT Southwestern Medical School, ensuring that even in passing, her spirit of compassion would continue to touch lives through medical research and education.

A funeral service will be held on April 26, 2025 at 1pm, at Our Lady of Angels Parish in Allen, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Angels Parish Building Fund in her memory.

Marilyn Joan Magill lived a rich and impactful life, and her strength, humor, and grace will continue to inspire all who had the honor of knowing her.