Margaret C. Rochford 1935-2024

Margie lived a life marked by faith, grace, kindness, strength, resilience and devotion.

Margie was born to Dr. Otto and Margaret Hewitt Dreiling, on Nov. 5, 1935. After graduating from Ursuline High School in 1953, she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse, earning her degree from St. Elizabeth Hospital. She worked for one year in St. Elizabeth’s nursery before dedicating herself to being a stay-at-home mom for 35 years. In 1989, she returned to nursing, working at Windsor House at St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Center for 30 years before retiring. Her unwavering commitment to her family and her work exemplified her caring, selfless, compassionate and nurturing nature.

Margie married her high school sweetheart, Tom Rochford, on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 1956; they shared 61 happy years together before his passing in 2018. Together, they raised eight children and instilled in them the importance of faith, friendship and family. Their home was a place where kindness and warmth flourished, and the memories created there will forever be cherished. Margie would joke that she was “the boss” — and she rightfully earned that title for all she did to build a family that modeled love, devotion, inclusion and togetherness. She was the heart of the holidays, creating traditions of decorating for every occasion, preparing holiday feasts, and baking countless cookies and desserts. These traditions continue to be passed down through her children and grandchildren. As the wife of a butcher, Margie made sure her family of 10 sat down for a homecooked meal every night at their large kitchen table, always ending with a dessert. This ever-growing dinner table brought her immense joy throughout her life.

Margie was the most gracious hostess for family parties and holiday gatherings, often bringing together her siblings and in-laws from the Dreiling, McGunigal and Stoops families. Her nieces and nephews have countless cherished memories of times spent with their Aunt Margie ­– always inclusive, fun, warm and welcoming. Friends often became part of the family traditions, regularly invited to join in numerous celebrations and endless fun. She could host any size party with such grace, ease and joy.

She organized trips to Geneva-on-the-Lake and the Outer Banks, North Carolina, where she enjoyed nightly card parties in Geneva, and many games of Left-Right-Center in the Outer Banks. Margie especially enjoyed traveling to destinations where a casino awaited her, with Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Biloxi, being her favorites. Local trips to Hollywood Gaming, Mountaineer Casino, Seneca New York and Seneca Niagara were always fun and fulfilling, shared with family, friends and her caregivers. She found joy in playing the slot machines, enjoying meals at the casino buffets and soaking in the bright lights and sounds. Margie was a winner simply by having fun every time she pulled the slot machine arm or swiped her casino card.

Margie was present at every sporting event that her eight children participated in and was an active booster club parent for South Range Schools. She continued to support her grandchildren by attending their school events whenever she could.

Margie was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church and Seton III. For 65 years, she was on the Ursuline class reunion committee, never missing a year to plan an incredible class gathering. In recent years, Margie was happiest when she attended luncheons with long-time friends, her Ursuline High School clubs and Seton Club.

She loved dining at local restaurants with her extended family. Along with her enjoyment of playing slot machines, Margie’s other hobbies included watching game shows (with “The Price is Right” being her favorite), scratching off lottery tickets and reviewing her monthly calendar. She had a passion for creating flower arrangements, a craft and talent she taught herself when her children were little. Some staples that were never far from Margie included Pepsi, fudge, chocolate, a bottle of ketchup (always room temperature), sugar (to top her fruit and pasta) and ice cream. Margie was never without a tissue in her hand or tucked up her sleeve.

Margie leaves behind a family who will forever be grateful for the lessons she imparted, the love she gave, and the many blessings and abundant memories she left them.

She will be deeply missed by her children, Margie (Jay) Stanwood, Karen (Ed) Pierson and Colleen (Bill) Nagy, all of Columbiana, Kevin (Rebecca) Rochford of California and Kelly (Scott) Daum of Chicago; and son-in-law, Randy (Julie) Horvath. Margie is also survived by her beloved 23 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, who will forever treasure the moments shared with her and carry her legacy forward. In true Grandma fashion, she leaves behind the cherished reminder that each and every one of them “was her favorite.”

Margie will be remembered not only for her contributions to her family but also for the love and laughter she shared with all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be greatly missed by her cousin, Mary Lou (Frank) Beck; her dear friend of over 70 years, Beverly Vernars; and her many nieces and nephews. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those she touched.

Margie endured heartbreak that no mother or grandmother should ever have to experience, having to bury so many of her loved ones, including three of her children. She embodied strength, resilience and grace, even when her heart was heavy with sadness. She kept moving forward for her family and carried the burden for many around her. For this, she is so deserving of the heavenly reward of being reunited with her parents; her husband; her two sons, Tommy Jr. and Jeffrey; her daughter, Mary Ann Horvath; her grandson, Michael Rochford; and step-granddaughter, Nicole Nagy; as well as her daughter-in-law, Loretta Rochford; her brother, Otto Dreiling; her sister, Deanna McGunigal; brothers-in-law, Thomas McGunigal and Ron Stoops; and sisters-in-law, JoAnn Dreiling and Evelyn (Dee) Stoops.

Family and friends may pay their respects 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at Fox Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Chad Johnson, with the Rev. Fr. Thomas Ziegler as concelebrant, 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, at St. Jude Church, 180 Seventh St., Columbiana.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers who provided devoted care to their mom over the past three years, Arlene, Beth, Cynthia, Gracie, Jo, Kathy, Marilyn, Mary and Rosemary. Their unwavering care, support, kindness, love and dedication brought great comfort to the family and are truly appreciated. They helped make her later years ones to cherish. The family would also like to thank Hospice of the Valley for the kindness shown to their mother during her final weeks at home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, 4250 Shields Road, Canfield, OH 44406; or Hospice of the Valley.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends of Margie may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to leave condolences for the Rochford family.

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