Margaret McNulty

Margaret McNulty was a woman who never focused her attention on building great wealth or achieving success according to the world’s measure, but made it her mission in life to serve those around her. She was a resilient woman with a quiet strength who never let life get the best of her. As mothers go Margaret’s children would say they had the very best as her love for and devotion to them was unmatched. With an unwavering faith as her guide, she taught us so much about what love really means and in so doing, leaves behind a significant imprint on the heartstrings of so many around her. A true blessing in every way, Margaret will be deeply missed while her memory is forever cherished.

The decade of the 1920s was a vibrant time in our nation’s history. We welcomed conveniences like the washing machine and refrigerator while automobiles became more affordable for the average American thanks to the assembly line. Amidst this time of discovery a young couple from Chicago, Illinois, was eagerly awaiting the birth of their precious baby. Their wait was over on April 4, 1922, when their healthy baby girl made her grand entrance. They named her Margaret, and she was the oldest of four children born to her parents. She spent the majority of her formative years in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Since her father was seriously wounded in WWI he was unable to work, and her mother was a busy homemaker.

For the most part Margaret experienced an upbringing that was typical for the youth of her generation. She attended local schools where she excelled in her studies as she was recognized by the National Honor Society. Margaret always loved plays so her favorite subjects were naturally English and drama. Sometimes known as Tilly, she went on to graduate from Crystal Lake High School in 1939.

Not to be forgotten during this time was Margaret’s introduction to the young man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was James McNulty, and he was three years her senior. They met when Margaret was just ten years old when her family rented a cottage nearby the cottage that his family rented. For years the couple had a summer romance until they were older and things grew more serious. Margaret was drawn to his big dimples and was quite smitten with him. When WWII broke out Jim became a soldier in the Army, yet his sweetheart was never far from his mind. He proposed to his dear Margaret in Chicago while he was home on leave. The couple was united in marriage on April 10, 1943, in Chapel #2 at Fort Stewart in Georgia. They were blessed to have their mothers there to witness the ceremony after they both took the train down. The newlyweds honeymooned at the King and Prince Resort on St. Simons Island in Georgia, for the weekend. Jim then went back to fulfill his military duties while Margaret took the train back home with their mothers to await his safe return.

Reunited again, the couple settled and began a family. Their family grew to include five children: Jim, Bill, Bob, Pat, and Margaret. As a homemaker, wife, and mother, Margaret was second to none as she ran a tight ship. Her home was always spotless and everything that came out of her kitchen was fantastic. She often prepared traditional meals such as rump roast, potatoes and gravy, and green beans with onions. Margaret’s meals were almost always accompanied by dessert, usually a delicious cake. Dinner was always on the table promptly at six o’clock, and the majority of the parenting duties fell on Margaret’s shoulders as Jim worked hard to provide for the family. She was also available to help her children with their schoolwork whenever she was needed. The McNulty family enjoyed having fun together, too, and loved the times they piled into the Plymouth station wagon and headed to Florida for a few days. They also enjoyed summers back at Crystal Lake together.

Although her primary focus was always on her family, Margaret enjoyed pursuing her interests as well. She worked at Gilmore’s in a variety of positions including as a clerk and a bridal consultant for about 15 years until she retired in the early eighties. Margaret enjoyed getting together to play cards with friends and was a fan of big band music. As her friends and family can attest, she was a sports fanatic and was particularly fond of Tiger Woods, the Chicago Cubs and Bears, and Notre Dame football.

After Jim retired in the mid-eighties the couple continued to enjoy life together side by side. They loved to dance and were quite the pair who frequented dances at the Knights of Columbus. Margaret and Jim also bowled together and were founding members of St. Monica Parish where she was also president of the women’s group. She was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved husband in 2007.

For the past one and a half years Margaret lived at Park Village Pine where the staff often came to visit her in her room as she was always the best listener. She maintained her witty demeanor and continued to be positive about whatever came her way.

Called the matriarch of her family, Margaret McNulty was so proud of the family she created with the love of her life. She was selfless in her every thought, word, and deed, and never wanted to be a burden to anyone. Margaret had the best sense of humor, although never at the expense of someone else. She was filled with timeless wisdom and gave the best advice, too, as her heart was always focused on being there for others. Margaret’s legacy will live on in the lives of those who follow her.

Margaret McNulty died on April 6, 2012. Margaret’s family includes her 5 children: Jim (Mary Jo) McNulty, Bill (Karen) McNulty, Bob (Laurie) McNulty, Pat (Lisa) McNulty and Margaret (Mike) Wilson; 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren (and 2 on the way!) and brother Robert (Kristie) Robinson. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, James McNulty; sisters, Dorothy West and Patricia Aston; grandson, Joseph McNulty; and great-grandson, Addison McNulty.

Visit with Margaret’s family and friends on Tuesday, 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Mass will be held on Wednesday, 11 a.m. St. Monica Catholic Church. Burial at Mt. EverRest Cemetery. Reception will be held at the Life Story Center following the burial. Memorials can be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Park Village Pine Activity Fund.