Margaret Irvine Obituary

SPRINGFIELD - Margaret Elizabeth (File) Irvine, 90, was born May 17, 1919, in Waverly, IL and departed this life on April 18, 2010, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL. Maggie was the daughter of the late Beatrice File. She worked as a bookkeeper for Walgreens during "The War." On Jan. 12, 1946, she married William. J. Irvine Sr., O.D., and to this union they added three children: William J. Irvine Jr., O.D.; Timothy M. Irvine; and Patricia E. (Irvine) Barge. Dr. Irvine Sr. preceded her in death, as did her son, Timothy.

Maggie assisted in the running of the family's optometric practice as well as served the chief executive officer of the family home. She volunteered to raise awareness and resources for several charitable causes, including the March of Dimes, and Blessed Sacrament Parish School.

Maggie loved to jitterbug, bowl, golf and play cards. When she found her body aging but her mind soundly intact, she dedicated her energies to mastering the game of bridge and watching the other sports on television. However, she was spotted jitterbugging to Lawrence Welk in her living room upon occasion in recent years. Maggie was an active member of the Springfield Bridge Center and graciously opened her home to many a foursome.

Survivors include William J. Irvine, Jr. and wife, Robin of Springfield; Patricia Barge and husband, John of Dexter, MO; sister, Dorothy Pranski of Tucson, AZ; sister-in-law, Rosemary Rockelmann of Evanston, IL; and several nieces and nephews. Grandchildren include Margaret Rimel of Dexter, MO; John Barge Jr. and fiancee, Lisa McGavaran of Sherwood, OR; Lisa Irvine of Taylors, SC; David Irvine of Springfield, IL; Tyler Irvine of Chatham, IL; and Amanda Allen of Springfield, IL. Great-grandchildren include Gabriel Rimel of Dexter, MO and Malayna Marx of Springfield, IL.

The family wishes to extend its gratitude to Mary Lee Wilson, Mrs. Irvine's loyal friend who cared for her extensively during the final months of her life.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. The rosary will be recited at 10:45 a.m.

Funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to 18 Fore Life Foundation, in care of Scott Kruse, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, MO 63841. Information can be found on their website, www.18forelife.org.

Please visit Maggie's online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.