Margo Garvin – mom to three children, nana to two granddaughters, G-Nana to one great-granddaughter and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at her home in the Central West End of St. Louis, MO.
Margo was born in 1945 in Boston, MA., to Cornelius and Mary Murphy. The youngest of five children, she was the “little sister in charge” and many believed she was the oldest.
Margo graduated from Monsignor Ryan Memorial High School for Girls in Dorchester, MA and studied at Webster University. She married Paul Garvin, and they moved to St. Louis so Paul could attend medical school at St. Louis University. The two of them would make St. Louis their new home. However, Boston was always in their heart. Yearly, summer visits back home were a must. After more than 50 years in St. Louis, Margo still spoke with a strong Boston accent which prompted people to ask if she was visiting St. Louis. She would laugh and say, “of course not.”
She absolutely loved her family and spending time with them brought her the most joy. Anyone who knew Margo knew that she adored her granddaughters to pieces, and she could never say enough about them. She was extremely proud of her three children too. Margo filled the room with stories and her infectious laughter. She was witty and had a great sense of humor. Margo loved to laugh (even at herself). She had a fondness and appreciation for music and the arts. She could frequently be found at Jazz at the Bistro on the weekends or attending plays or musicals around the city. Margo also loved photography, good books, the color blue and of course, all things Irish. She also had a knack for finding unique restaurants and sharing her experience with you on the food, ambience and service. She was known to chefs, bakers and servers around town. Margo didn’t believe in wasting food. She always took home leftovers – yours and hers. One of her favorite lines was, “you can put that in the freezer.” She put just about everything in the freezer.
Margo loved the ocean and spent several weeks during the summer in Hull, MA, relaxing, visiting family, eating at Jake’s Seafood and watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. Margo was a staunch advocate for equality and women’s rights. She encouraged people to get out of their comfort zone and experience different things because those experiences impact how you see the world, interact with others, and make decisions. Margo never met a stranger and was extremely generous.
Assertive and confident in expressing her opinions and ideas, the Irish redhead was incredibly feisty. She often thought that “No Parking” signs did not apply to her and parked wherever she pleased. It’s remarkable that her car was never towed or booted.
Margo was a trailblazer, becoming the co-owner, alongside her husband, of the St. Louis River Queens, a professional female basketball team. Margo was a woman with many interests. She helped hundreds of local high school seniors obtain scholarships to attend colleges and universities. Margo’s “Keep Hoop Alive” publication was a “must have” guide to prep and college hoops.
Margo managed singer Kim Massie. St. Louis’ Queen of Soul. Together they recorded a live CD at Jazz at the Bistro and another live CD at Finale in Clayton that was a tribute to Aretha Franklin.
Margo was a volunteer and passionate supporter of Community Women Against Hardship. She collected furniture, toiletries and in-kind donations from those in her social circle to further the mission of the non-profit.
Margo loved life and lived it to the fullest.
Loving memories will live on in the hearts of her husband Dr. Paul Garvin; daughter Christine (Tom) Abrell, sons Peter (Debbie) Garvin, and Derek (Joyce) Garvin; granddaughters Chelsea and Taylor Garvin; great-granddaughter Calliope Mae; brother Connie Murphy, sister Maureen Murphy and a host of other relatives, extended family and loving friends. Margo was preceded in the by her parents Cornelius and Mary Murphy, and siblings Jimmy Murphy and Edith W. Barry.
In lieu of flowers, contributions made to Community Women Against Hardship are greatly appreciated.
(3963 W. Belle Pl, St. Louis, MO 63108) https://www.givelify.com/donate/NDg3OQ==/selection
SERVICES: Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
R.I.P. Margo. With deepest sympathy Paul and family.
Joe Kelly. St Peters, CM, Ronan Park