Obituary of Margaret Donohue
Margaret Donohue, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at the age of 87.
Margaret was born on December 5, 1938, to Robert and Catherine Taylor in Jersey City, New Jersey. She grew up in East Newark alongside her seven siblings, surrounded by the love, laughter, and strong family bonds that would shape her life.
In 1959, Margaret married the love of her life, James Donohue. Together they built a beautiful life, first living in Kearny before settling in Hackettstown, New Jersey, where they raised their daughter, Ann, with endless care, devotion, and pride.
Margaret found her place within the Hackettstown community, working at the local high school before beginning a long and fulfilling career at Centenary University, where she ran the Public Relations department. Later, she brought her dedication and warmth to Morris Plains, serving as an administrative assistant in the municipal offices.
In her free time, Margaret delighted in classic movies, fondly reminiscing about simpler times while watching beloved black-and-white films. She also had a deep love for music. While she cherished the hits of the 1950s, she found joy in songs from every decade, always appreciating a tune that could make her smile. Another thing that brought countless smiles to her face was visiting the city to enjoy a Broadway show.
Margaret and James eventually moved to the Renaissance of Manchester, a senior living community that reinvigorated Margaret’s zest for life. There, she became actively involved in many groups, including the Irish Dancing group that kept her moving, laughing, and having fun. Some of her favorite memories were made while traveling with friends from the community. From cruises to Alaska to relaxing on the beaches of the Caribbean, Margaret embraced every adventure and treasured the friendships she formed along the way.
Above all else, Margaret loved her family. She was her daughter’s biggest fan and was overjoyed to be blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Holidays were especially dear to her, as they allowed her to be surrounded by the family she had lovingly created, sharing laughter, stories, and memories. A devoted grandmother affectionately known as “RaRa,” Margaret never missed an opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. With seven siblings, Margaret was also a cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply. Among them, her special bond with her niece, Sharon Tallent, was a constant and meaningful source of happiness throughout her life.
Margaret’s legacy of love and cherished memories will live on forever. Margaret is survived by her daughter, Ann Jozwiak and her husband Brian, her grandchildren, Brianna Jones and her husband Michael, Patrick Jozwiak, Taylor Grant and her husband Connor, her great grandchildren, Rylan, Cameron, Oliver, her sister, Rosemary Tallent and her husband James, as well as a wealth of nieces, nephews, and friends who will remember her fondly. We take comfort in knowing that Margaret is now reunited in Heaven with those who came before her; her husband, James P. Donohue, her parents, Robert and Catherine Taylor, and her siblings, Anna Murrin, Elizabeth McMillan, Catherine Kennedy, Robert Taylor, Daniel Taylor, and John Taylor.
If you would like to continue Margaret’s memory in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Donations can be made via this link.
Hours of memorial visitation for Margaret are scheduled for Saturday, January 10th, from 12 to 3 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, with a vigil service to commence at 1 PM. Please come and celebrate the life of this incredible woman, and please leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Margaret’s light shine!
