Margaret Ann O'Nolan, 67 of Gulfport, passed away Wednesday evening at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. She was born January 15, 1954 in Toms River, NJ, the oldest of three children to Warren Lincoln and Geraldine (Steinberger) Collins. Margaret grew up in Toms River, moving to New Port Richie, FL in 1972 and graduated from Gulf High School that same year. Both she and her sister Caroline were working at a car wash there when a couple of young Army guys stopped in. David O'Nolan was bringing his friend Tom McCormick to see his girlfriend Caroline, when he saw "the most beautiful tan he had ever seen". David even told Tom that he was going to marry that girl, which was Margaret. They got to know each other and were married April 19, 1974, making their home in New Port Richie for many years. Margaret worked as a medical assistant for a local cardiologist for several years and also for George's Wholesale Tires, eventually retiring and moving to Gulfport to be closer to her grandchildren. Over the years, Margaret made sure that her and David's home was always open, serving as "mom" to so many. That's the woman she was, loving and caring for her own, but for so many others as well. Margaret was the type who never ever met a stranger. She was an encourager to so very many people over the years, always reminding them the simple truth that "God doesn't make mistakes". She not only believed that, but lived it every single day. A truly amazing person, as a wife, mother, friend and so much more, her life was defined by the love she showed to others. Margaret will be forever loved and missed by all whose life she touched. She was preceded by her parents, Warren & Geraldine Collins, and her brother-in-law, Tom McCormick. Left to cherish the many fond memories are: her partner in life and life and loving husband, David; their children, Sarah (Anthony) Perry of Biloxi, Dana Fella of Wiggins, Nicholas O'Nolan and Erica Ochs, both of FL, with so many others she showered motherly love on over the years; her sisters, Sheila Collins and Caroline McCormick, with her nieces Shawna McCormick and Madison Olson, all of FL. She leaves a legacy of seven grandchildren: Tyler, Angelica, Zachary, Christian, Molly, Gina and Tristan; five great-grands: Landon, Evan, Lakota, Brynlee and Emma, along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors over the years. Margaret's final wishes were to be cremated, which her family is honoring. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the O'Nolan family in their time of need. Please keep David and the rest of the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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