Margaret T Jonassen

Margaret T. Jonassen (Larkin), 91, longtime resident of Edison, NJ and Warwick, NY
passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Warwick,
NY.
Marge was born in Jersey City, NJ to John & Mary Larkin on September 23,1933. She
graduated from St. Michael’s High School, and went on to earn a degree in nursing from
Saint Francis Hospital School of Nursing. She graduated with honors and earned a 3
year certificate in Nursing and became a registered nurse. Marge’s nursing career
included her position for more than 30 years with Dr. Jeffery Beauchamp of Rahway, NJ.
She worked until she retired at the age of 79. Marge earned many awards and
certificates during her nursing career, and always stood out as a loving and
compassionate nurse who adored all her patients.
Marge married the love of her life Arthur O. Jonassen on October 22,1955 at Sacred
Heart Church in Jersey City, NJ. They raised 5 children together in Edison, NJ. They
were married over 56 years until his passing in 2012.
Marge is survived by her three children: Arthur Jonassen of Trinity Texas, Alicia
Fitzpatrick (Jonassen) & her husband Sean of Chester, New York and Timothy
Jonassen of Aventura, Florida and her beloved grandchildren Kimberly, Caroline, Jack,
Daniel and her great-grandson Ayden. Margie also had close relationships with all of
her nieces & nephews as well as many close friends. She was predeceased by her
beloved husband Arthur O. Jonassen & her two sons Robert and David Jonassen.
Margie found joy in dancing, exploring the world through travel, and creating cherished
memories with her beloved family. She had a gift for making every moment special, and
her presence lit up any room she entered.
Those who were fortunate enough to meet Margie were captivated by her stunning blue
eyes, her infectious smile, and the unconditional love she so freely gave. She leaves
behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and a life well-lived
Her light will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
• In lieu of flowers please donate in Margaret Jonassen’s name:

Alzheimer's Association Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease
http://acl.alz.org.

Mom’s Eulogy 

Good morning everyone, and thank you for being here to celebrate the extraordinary life of my mother, Margaret Theresa Jonassen—our Margie, as so many lovingly knew her.

As her daughter, I had the privilege of knowing her in a way no words can ever fully capture. She was, quite simply, the best mom I could have ever imagined. She loved deeply, unconditionally, and without reservation.  Her love extended not only to her family and friends but even to strangers. She had a way of making everyone feel special, seen, and cherished.

Mom was a ray of sunshine, bubbling over with warmth and joy. She was lovable, witty, and oh-so-fun to be around. She had a laugh that could light up a room and a smile that seemed to come straight from her heart. And her blue eyes, filled with kindness, sparkled like gems. At 5’2”, she may have been petite, but she was larger than life in every way that truly matters.

She had an eye for style, always looking stunning in her sharp outfits, often with a touch of leopard or animal print. Her blonde hair and pink lipstick were her signature look—timeless and radiant, just like her.

Mom loved to dance, and she wasn’t shy about it. She took tap and jazz classes as an adult at the Charles Farrell Dance Studio and performed in recitals in front of hundreds of people for years. She was graceful, confident, and completely in her element when she danced.

She also loved basketball. In her younger years, she played on her high school team, and later in life, she became an avid fan. The Final Four was an annual tradition for her, and nothing thrilled her more than cheering on her beloved Temple Owls.

Mom never missed a party, and wherever she went, she brought joy with her. With her little glass of Bailey’s or Kahlúa in hand, she’d be surrounded by people, laughing and hugging. She was a welcome guest at many New Years Eve parties, a favorite among my adult friends. She loved deeply, and that love was always returned a hundredfold.

She shared a story with me often about her father, who encouraged her to change her college path. Originally on the road to becoming a secretary, he saw her immense capacity for compassion and suggested she become a nurse instead. She listened, changed course, and graduated from nursing school in just three years. She adored her profession because it allowed her to care for others in a way only she could—with love, empathy, and tenderness. Her love of nursing influenced my cousin Susan and my daughter Caroline to both pursue nursing careers. 

As the mother of five kids, she had a way of making each of us feel like we were her favorite. She and my Dad had a wonderful life together, they loved to travel and enjoyed cruises around the world, as well as seeing all 50 states. 

Her love for her grandchildren was just as profound. She adored them and always wanted to be part of their lives, cheering them on, celebrating their milestones, and sharing in their joy.

Mom had friends everywhere—lifelong best friends and new ones in every chapter of her life. She loved playing tennis, cards, and Mah-jongg, and she was the life of every party, from Super Bowl gatherings to reunions. She brought people together, and her energy was contagious.

My family and I would like to thank everybody who helped us through the years with our mom. I want to give a special thanks to those who cared for her; Caroline Helbeck, Marybeth Malley, Kathy McGlew, Richianna Major, Tiffany Major and many of her friends and neighbors in Warwick grove. 

Sr Rebecca told me I only have five minutes to speak, so I’ll end with this: If you knew my mother, you knew love. She trusted with an open heart and wanted nothing but love in return. And Mom, look around—every single one of us here truly loved you, more than words could ever express.

Thank you, Mom, for loving me—for 59 years of unwavering love and devotion. It brings me peace knowing that you are reunited with Dad, Robby and Dave up in heaven. Don’t have too much fun without us. I saw the penny you left me yesterday. I know you’re still with me, my forever angel.

I love you, Mom.

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