Margaret Marion O’Connor, 83, of Tinton Falls, passed away peacefully Sept. 23, 2025, at Seabrook Village Continuing Care. She was born Oct. 17, 1941, in Highlands. Margaret was the beloved daughter of George Vincent and Marion Veronica Dempsey
Margaret spent her early years in Highlands before making Tinton Falls her home in 1965, where she remained for 60 cherished years. She dedicated her professional life to health care administration, serving as a medical billing manager for approximately 20 years, where her attention to detail and caring nature made her invaluable to both colleagues and patients.
Margaret’s commitment to her community was evident through her service as treasurer of the Highlands Historical Society, a role she held with pride until her health no longer permitted. She was also an active and beloved member of the Red Hat Ladies Society for many years, earning the affectionate title of “Queen Mum” during her final years of participation – a testament to the joy and leadership she brought to the group.
An adventurous spirit with a love for exploration, Margaret was fortunate to travel the world, collecting memories and experiences from far-off places. However, those who knew her best will remember that her most treasured moments were the simple pleasures of lunching with friends, where her warmth, laughter and genuine interest in others created lasting bonds and countless cherished memories.
Margaret was predeceased by her parents, George Vincent and Marion Veronica Dempsey, as well as all of her aunts and uncles. She is survived by her loving children, Kevin O’Connor and his wife Christine, and Kathleen “Katie” Elko and her husband David; her cherished grandchildren, Kieran Elizabeth, Ryan Catherine and Dylan Dempsey O’Connor; as well as many beloved cousins who will deeply miss her presence in their lives.
Her legacy lives on through the love she shared, the friendships she nurtured and the community spirit she embodied throughout her remarkable life.
A viewing was held Sept. 30 at John E. Day Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 1 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Burial followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Margaret’s memory to Wag On Inn Rescue at wagoninn.rescuegroups.org or Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.
The article originally appeared in the October 2 – 8, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
