Margaret Bermingham

Margaret Ann Bermingham (nee Strain) passed away at her home in Concord on January 28, 2026, at age 87. Born in Philadelphia on March 11, 1938, she is survived by her loving children, Ellen Bermingham (Tim Culler), Thomas Bermingham (Esther), Kathleen Bermingham (Kim), Maureen Postigo MacDowall (Javier), and Brian Bermingham (Amber), nephew and honorary son, Pat Costelloe (Christine), along with her adoring grandchildren Emily, Isabelle, Madeline, Francesca, Sophia, Liam, Riley, and Hadley. She also leaves behind her sister Katie Weitz and brother Terry (Berta), along with Cousin Mary Fergus, sisters-in-law Geraldine and Brigitte Strain and brother-in-law Sonny Birmingham in Ireland. She was predeceased by her husband Patrick, her son Edward, her parents George and Nellie Strain and Ed and Ellen Strain, her brothers John, George, Ed, and her sister Maureen Steinbruner. She will also be missed by her loving family of nieces, nephews, and cousins in the U.S. and Ireland.

Margaret was proud of spending her formative years in San Francisco. She graduated from St. Paul's High School and USF School of Nursing, the first class of women at USF and the first in her family to graduate from college. She left the ranks of nursing to become a full-time mother to her growing family. In addition, she was a partner with her husband in the very successful operation of McNally's Irish Pub in Oakland.

Margaret was a Girl Scout leader and an active volunteer in her children's education and activities. She also loved ballroom dancing and reading. In her later years, she enjoyed assisting in Maureen's classrooms as a teaching resource, meeting with book club friends, and playing Rummikub.

The family would like to thank the Oakmont of Montecito team for their care and kindness to Margaret over the past two years of her life.

A celebration of the life of Margaret will be held at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 5562 Clayton Rd, Concord, CA 94521 on Feb. 12, 2026. Viewing begins at 10:30 am with Mass to follow at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 5562 Clayton Rd., Concord, CA 94521 or your favorite charity.