Margaret Frances O'Donnell

The angels unexpectedly escorted home Margaret Frances O’Donnell (nee Toomey) on April 20, 2025, eight weeks after her husband passed away. She was surrounded by her beloved daughters.
Margaret was born on December 30, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was a 1971 graduate of Villa Angela School for girls and a graduate of Central School of Practical Nursing in Cleveland, OH. Margaret dedicated her life to helping others, spending over 50 years in the nursing field.
Margaret and her late husband, Timmy, both grew up in Wickliffe, OH and moved to Madison, OH, where she hesitantly encouraged Timmy’s hobby farm. She dedicated her nursing skills to Stewart Lodge, in Madison, spending her career there for nearly 40 years. Margaret reluctantly retired three years ago due to both their health issues.
Margaret was renowned for her infectious smile, laugh, and famous “Hi, Honey”. She was known for being the “person to call” and no matter what time, day or night, she would answer the call.
Many friends considered Margaret and Timmy a bonus family, and their home was open to anyone and everyone. Margaret could talk to anyone about anything. She made long-term, new friends in grocery checkout lines and adjacent restaurant booths. After the introduction, you were an immediate friend forever. We owe her for such a beautiful, random community of friends. She made an impact on so many people, even through just a simple smile or a wave. Both Margaret and Timmy were known for showing up, regardless of the occasion.
Margaret enjoyed spending time with her family, knitting, feeding the birds, day trips to the casino with friends, begrudgingly going on vacations her daughters planned, decorating Gingerbread houses, and buttering something up. Mom had two favorite days each year, Thanksgiving when she was cooking up a feast and the Annual Toomey Family reunion in August visiting with her aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Through the years, Margaret was a champion of animals, primarily dogs. If there was a dog found, lost, injured, or available for adoption within the continental United States, she likely shared it on Facebook. Along with dogs, Margaret was an avid bird lover, she enjoyed watching and feeding them, and “Fat Boy”, the squirrel. Unlike most people, squirrels were always welcome at Mom’s bird feeders.
Margaret’s daughters called her “MacGyver”. She could fix anything, and Dad would often take over cooking dinner while she fixed something (that he likely broke). She was an expert knitter, often fixing family and friends’ knitting projects. Aside from repairing electronics, radios, and knitting, Margaret also fixed day-to-day life problems. She was an excellent listener, no matter what the situation.
Mom was famous for reassuring, “It’s just an adventure, girls!” when life went sideways. She lived life on the edge of empty, at least in her car’s gas tank. (It drove Timmy crazy.) One of our favorite running out of gas stories included a new pet parakeet sitting on the side of the road with us waiting to be rescued by Timmy or another family member.
Mom planned her vacation time around Madison’s Old Fashioned Days. She was the kite flying contest champion and then helped organize the contest for many years afterward.
Margaret continues to be cherished by her daughters, Dr. Margee (Mike) O’Donnell-Foust and Erin O’Donnell, adored granddaughter Maeve Foust, sisters Katie Wenz and Sarah (Eric) Roessler, brother-in-law Dennis Wenz, her in-laws Dr. Jim (Sue) O’Donnell, Maryann (Cliff) Sleinsky, Maggie Martin, Kate Harrison, Joe (Lynette), Terry Bahniuk, and Rich (Rose) O’Donnell and so many beloved and adored nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Awaiting Margaret in Heaven are her loving husband, Timothy O’Donnell, parents Gilbert and Margaret (McEvoy) Toomey, in-laws James and Genevieve (Cullen) O’Donnell, brother-in-law Rick Harrison, and beloved niece Kelly O’Donnell-Friedlander.
In lieu of flowers, we request people donate to a local dog rescue or community food bank.
Remember life is short, don’t let your tea get cold. Make the call, give an extra hug, find your people, take the trip, eat the cake, love fiercely, and embrace the adventure. Always remember, “Mama said there would be days like this.” Big Kiss, Mama Tart!
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 2-5 pm at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com. The family will be hosting a catered Celebration of Life for Margaret directly after visitation at the Holiday Inn Banquet Room beginning at 5:00 PM. Located at 181 Water Tower Drive, Madison, OH. 44057.