Margaret Mary Kadala

Margaret Mary Kadala passed away on May 17, 2021, in Newberry, FL., 2 days before her 91st birthday.

Margaret was a gentle, loving, delightful, humorous, supportive, encouraging wife/ stepmother/ grandmother/ great-grandmother/ sister/ sister-in-law/ aunt. She was a fun, adventurous, loyal friend. She was a dedicated, strong, caring, gifted teacher. She was a sympathetic, caring, and protective animal lover. She was an inspirational, devout catholic who lived her beliefs on a daily basis. She loved music – all different kinds, from Big Band to Cowboy music – that would get her hands waving and toes tapping within the first 5 notes. Margaret encompassed all that was good to many people over many years. She leaves us with an example of living every moment fully and bravely… and with a dancing heart!

Margaret was born Rosemary Catherine Ash on May 19, 1930, to Lucille (nee Patton ) and Albert A. Ash, in Detroit,  Michigan. She spent her childhood with her parents and siblings: twin sister Virginia (“Ginny), sister Dolores (“Dee”), and brother Albert (“Sonny”) in Michigan and Florida.

After her twin sister’s tragic death at age 14, Rosemary finished high school, and later college, under the tutelage of the order of Ursuline sisters. She joined the order, and there, changed her name to Margaret Mary. She received her education, training, and initial teaching experiences with the order. Her excellence and talent as a teacher were recognized, and she was urged to continue with her teaching career outside of the order.

She soon accepted a teaching position with the Exxon Oil Co. in Venezuela. She shared her gift of teaching with many appreciative middle school students over many years, at the Escuela Simon Bolivar, in Amuay.  She dearly loved her students and positively influenced their lives. She also touched the hearts of colleagues with whom she taught. Her love of teaching extended beyond retirement, with volunteer work teaching and tutoring some of the most challenging students. Her sympathetic warmth, gentle kindness, courage, and patience inspired her students.

It was in Venezuela that she met and fell in love with her husband, Robert J. Kadala. He clearly admired and loved her gentleness, kindness, strength, determination, devotion, wit, and delightful spirit. After retiring to Houston, Texas, they were married on August 13, 1980. They lived happily in Houston, and later in Pearland, Texas, until his death in 1991. Margaret never stopped loving Robert. She missed him dearly, and looked forward to a time when they would be reunited.

Margaret later left Texas and moved to Sun City in Bluffton, South Carolina, to be closer to her sister Dolores. Sadly, not long after, Dolores passed away. However, Margaret easily made friends there – traveling, sharing adventures, dancing, and playing cards and MahJong with the “Widda Ladies”. Many of these dear friends maintained connections with her via phone calls, cards, letters, and visits even after she moved away.

After Margaret followed her best friend, Edythe, to live at the Seabrook in Hilton Head, she suffered a fall and then a stroke, which left her unable to walk and robbed her of her independence, which she valued so much. Her devoted friends in South Carolina were often by her side to lovingly care for her and encourage her recovery. Despite all efforts, Margaret was not able to recover enough to return to her previous level of independence.

In July 2018, Margaret moved to Newberry, Florida, to live with, and near, family. She was regularly entertained by great-granddaughter Charlie’s songs, dances, and chatter, as well as phone calls, cards, and visits from family and friends. Dogs, Zabi, Kado, and Pip, knew exactly who to go to for treats or a game of fetch. She was also assisted by an excellent caregiver, Amy, who attended to her with love and humor.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Lucille and Albert Ash; siblings: Virginia Ash, Dolores Barnes, and Albert Ash; husband Robert J. Kadala, in-laws: Roger Kadala, Stanley Kadala, Lucy Kadala, Edward Kadala, Earl Kadala, Kenneth Kadala, Pat O’Hara, Beatriz O’Hara, and Tom Barnes; nephews:  Robert R. Kadala, Johnny Kadala, and Doug Ash;  “sister-in-law” Evelyn Zink; and best friend Edythe Rennick.

Margaret is survived by her stepdaughters Maria-Elena Kadala and Veronica Kadala (Jim);  her grandchildren: Britta Gruenwald (Jim), Ryan Rummel, Michael Forgione (Marian), and Christa Rummel; her great-grandchildren: Madeline Gruenwald, Dalton Gruenwald, Charlie Rummel, Mia Forgione, and Logan Forgione; sisters-in-law: Nancy Kadala, Ninfa Kadala, Connie Kadala, Olga Kadala, Linda Urreztietta, and Pat Ash; nephews: Stanley Kadala (Kyra), Roger Henry Kadala (Beatriz), and Gary Ash (Terry); nieces: Anita Kadala, Lolita Kadala (John), Lori Sears, and Arlene Touzi (Brek); as well as numerous members of the Kadala, Ash, O’Hara, and Joiner families.

In addition to family, Margaret is lovingly remembered by her closest friends: Jo and Lyn Bailey, Betty and Bill Palcic, Sharon Mabry, and Amy and Jim Waldrop.

A funeral mass will be held on June 26, at 10:30am, in the St. Andrew  Chapel at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, in Bluffton, South Carolina. Margaret’s remains will then return to Florida for a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to causes that were especially dear to Margaret, such as animal rescues/ shelters or catholic charities/ missions, of your choice.