Margaret McDevitt Biddle

1947 - 2020

Margaret “Pixie” Biddle of Wynnewood, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26. 2020 at the age of 72 after a stout battle with Ovarian Cancer. Born to parents Vincent and Agatha McDevitt on July 20, 1947 in Overbrook, PA. A lifelong Philadelphian Margaret
Jane McDevitt lovingly became known to her friends, family and society as simply “Pixie”. Pixie attended The Covenant of the Sacred Heart graduating in1965, later serving as the director of their Alumni (1992-1996). From there she graduated from Mount Vernon College (now absorbed by George Washington University) and attended the Sorbonne as well as the Ecole du Louvre while living in Paris.

After a few years abroad, Pixie returned to her beloved Philadelphia as a travel consultant at Thomas Cook & Son. Soon after, Margaret “Pixie” McDevitt married Gardiner Simms Biddle at Villanova University’s Chapel and raised their three daughters Agatha,
Virginia and Lauren Biddle as well as her stepson Alexander Biddle, in their family home in Wynnewood PA.

Pixie was always extremely dedicated to her family, passionate about giving back to others and the city she loved so much. In the 80's Pixie began a committee for one of the first campaigns to help raise awareness and funds for Philadelphia’s homeless. She also served on the fundraising committee for Philadelphia’s Anti-Graffiti Network (now Mural Arts Philadelphia), a project that bridged the gap between Art and Graffiti using graffiti artists to create beautiful murals throughout the city. Pixie spent much of her adult life exhibiting with The Gardners at the Philadelphia Flower Show but closest to her heart were the charitable efforts of Community Clothes Charity, her Alma Matre, Sacred Heart Academy (Bryn Mawr) and the Women's board for PAFA (Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts). Pixie was perhaps most appreciated for her work for the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks as their Director of Road Scholar (formerly known as Elderhostel). For 25 years she shared her love of Philadelphia with the world through the interesting programs that she created and ran. Pixie was an exceptional member of Road Scholar’s international network of educators and supporting organizations. Through her position with PhilaLandmarks, she developed and coordinated highly rated and popular Road Scholar programs that brought thousands of travelers from all over the world to experience the best of this City’s culture. Her broad-based knowledge combined with distinctive wit, charm, style, and passion for learning made her a memorable presence. She cared deeply for the participants she hosted in Philadelphia as well as her Road Scholar colleagues. All who knew her will never forget her laugh and dedication to making things work regardless of
the challenges.

She is survived by her three daughters, Agatha Biddle, Virginia Biddle and Lauren Biddle Kain(Daniel) and former husband Gardiner S. Biddle. Grandmother to Caroline and Meredith Kain. She is survived by nieces and nephews, Marion McDevitt Jacob (Terry), Vince McDevitt (Kristen), Thomas Park (Lisa), Maretta Park Moorhead (John), Eileen Park Doyle (Mike), Richard Park (Meg). She is also survived by 21 great nieces and nephews, and 7 great great nieces and nephews and her sister Eileen Park. Pixie is preceded by her brother Vincent P. McDevitt and her stepson Alexander H. Biddle. 
 
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday July 31, 2020.  Please contact the daughter Lauren Biddle Kain for further information.
 
Donations can be made in Pixie's name to PAAble a tax-deductible account to support her special needs daughter Agatha Biddle. Account #914200709-01 PA ABLE, P.O. Box 219414, Kansas City, MO 64121, or to Sacred Heart Academy.