Margaret Mary Lucille Firth

On July 25th, 2022, Margaret Mary Lucille Firth, age 73, passed away peacefully at her home in Washington, DC. Margaret was born in Limerick, Ireland to James Joseph and Elizabeth, nee Russell, Hayes on March 26, 1949. Wife of 44 years to her beloved husband, Dr. Brian Garriock Firth; devoted mother of Jacqueline “Jacquie”, Shannon, and J. Garriock Firth, and mother-in-law to Barbara Firth of Washington, DC; cherished grandmother of Mairéad Firth; loving sister of Cora, Tempy, Milly, Blaithin, Jacqueline, and brother Patrick “PJ” (who predeceased her); she is also survived by many adoring nieces, nephews, family and friends on multiple continents and her carers, who have become like family.

After finding her calling as a nurse, Margaret worked in hospitals on three continents over her 40 year nursing career. She met her husband while working at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, and they started their family in the US in Dallas, Texas. For the last 15 years of her career she worked as a hospice/homecare nurse at Chandler Hall Hospice and Nursing Home in Newtown, Pennsylvania, before retiring in 2007. Even though she left Chandler Hall, her nurse’s heart never left her. She continued to visit elderly and sick patients for as long as she was able.

Margaret loved to exercise, to decorate, to read, and she loved to be around children. She was brave, stubborn, resilient, and happiest holding her husband’s hand.

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, our angel Margaret, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

A memorial service for Margaret Firth was held on Saturday, September 10th at Christ Church and Washington Parish in Washington, DC. The recording can be accessed by contacting the family.

Another memorial service will be held in Ireland at Margaret’s childhood church in Nenagh at noon on Friday, September 23rd - it can be watched live by contacting the family for additional information.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her blessed name may be made to any of the following:

● Chandler Hall Hospice, Newtown, PA - https://chandlerhallhealthservices.org/ - donations can be directed to the hospice program, financial aid, or employee appreciation under a drop down menu

● St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Newtown, PA - https://www.standrewnewtown.com/ - donations can be directed to specific topics/initiatives under the Parish Collections and Diocese tabs

● Catholic Relief Services - https://support.crs.org

● Heifer International - https://www.heifer.org/

Arrangements entrusted to Thibadeau Mortuary Service, P.A., Gaithersburg, MD., 301-495-4950, www.interfaithfunerals.com