Margaret O'Beirne

Born on July 9, 1938, in Brooklyn, NY, Margaret (Margie) was the middle of three children born to John and Beatrice Gavigan. Both John and Beatrice moved to Brooklyn from Ireland in their thirties, making Margie and her siblings first-generation Americans. They were in good company on Maple Street in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Margie earned her nursing degree from St. Mary's Nursing School in 1959 and went on to have a remarkable nursing career that spanned nearly 50 years, from patient care to management to administration. That same year, she married her neighborhood sweetheart, John (Jack) O'Beirne. Together they raised four children-Brenda, Kathleen, Jack, and Matthew-and shared over 56 years of unconditional love. Jack's work eventually took them from Flatbush to Middletown, NJ, where Margie would make her home for the next 57 years.
A devoted mother, grandmother, and lifelong parishioner of St. Mary's New Monmouth, Margie's lasting mark was as a career woman truly ahead of her time. She dedicated the later part of her life to nursing and healthcare and was an absolute force-a progressive leader and risk-taker who wasn't afraid to step out of her comfort zone. She was passionate, curious, and deeply empathetic. One role she was especially proud of was serving as Director of Case Management and Social Services at Riverview Medical Center, where she showed what was possible for women and mothers in leadership, especially later in life. Margie never stopped asking questions and always showed a genuine interest in others. She was a wonderful conversationalist who could go toe-to-toe on just about any topic. After retirement, she continued to live a full and active life, enjoying time with friends, attending events with the Fair Haven Seniors group, and staying engaged through volunteer work.
Margie was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband, Jack (2016); and her son-in-law, William Johnson. She is survived by her siblings, Eileen Leavell and John Gavigan; her devoted children, Brenda Mergenthaler (Frank), Kathleen Johnson, Jack O'Beirne, and Matt O'Beirne (Janet); her seven cherished grandchildren and their spouses, Laurena Morris (Brian), Chris Mergenthaler (Patricia), William Johnson, Colin Johnson (Lydia), Julianne O'Beirne, Kimberly O'Beirne, and Nick O'Beirne; and her five great-grandchildren (with one on the way) who brought her endless joy.
Family and friends are invited to attend the wake at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 22, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., followed by a funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church, New Monmouth, on Thursday, October 23, at 10:00 a.m.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her warmth, strength, and spirit.