Margaret Marie O'Leary Shaw

Margaret Marie O’Leary Shaw was born June 25, 1961, and passed away surrounded by loved ones at age 55 on May 29, 2017 (Memorial Day) after a long fight against cancer.  Daughter of the late John and Regina (Hartmann) O’Leary, Margaret grew up in Forty Acres, was a graduate of Delcastle High School and the University of Delaware.  She was preceded in death by her beloved sisters, Teresa O’Leary Krzywicki and ReGina O’Leary Moorhead. 

Margaret is survived by her loving husband, George Bernard Shaw; her son, JJ and wife, Katie; her daughter, Jamie; and her grandson, Dewey.  She is also survived by her siblings, Michael O’Leary, Patricia O’Leary Cunningham, Cecilia Wyatt Thornton, Joe O’Leary, Richard O’Leary, MaryEllen O’Leary, Gerard O’Leary, Catherine St. Clair, Ann O’Leary.  Margaret was also an adored aunt and Godmother to countless nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Our family reflected on Margaret’s short but impactful life that touched so many lives.  To know Margaret was to have been touched by an earthly angel unaware.  She wanted everyone to “Celebrate Life”.  To some Margaret was a “fairy godmother”, “our little princess”, the aunt that came to school plays and kids’ sports games.  She was a best friend to so many.  Margaret’s absolute and unshakable faith and her profound belief that all things are in right order and God is in charge carried her through so many difficult times with peace and soulful serenity.  Miracle Margaret was given 6 months to live and went on to bravely battle stage IV cancer for 4+ years.

You could see the light of heaven in her beautiful green eyes.  With a cheerful voice, Margaret would call her sister each morning to wake her gently with a “morning sunshine” greeting to start her day.  Many called her daily just to be cheered by her sweet voice and kind words.  Margaret was the spirit of love, compassion, and kindness.  She loved George and truly understood him.  To all who knew Margaret, she was a great light who left the earth to brighten our way to heaven.  We remain the collective strength of 12 with 3 of our cherished sisters now on the other side of the veil. 

Family and friends are invited to the visitation at Immaculate Conception Church, 455 Bow Street, Elkton, MD 21921 on Friday, June 2 from 10:00-10:45AM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at11:00AM, followed by interment in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Singerly Road, Cherry Hill, MD.

Immediately following burial, there will be a celebration of Margaret’s life at Singerly Fire Hall in Elkton.

Flowers will be gratefully accepted, or donations in memory of Margaret may be made to LnF Dog Rescue Adoption Center, PO Box 10366, Wilmington, DE 19850 (www.lnfdogs.org).  Margaret adopted two dogs from this center and knows of the love they shower on their rescued 4 legged children.

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