Margaret Barbara Ignich

Margaret Barbara Ignich, 97, a lifelong resident of St. Clair Shores, MI, passed away peacefully in her home on September 30, 2025. Her life was a testament of love, family, and spiritual dedication to her passions.

Margaret is reunited with her beloved husband, Frank, with whom she shared a remarkable 74 years of marriage. She is the devoted mother of, William Ignich, Diane (Douglas) McDoniel, Marianne Maiuri, Susanne (Salvatore) DiMercurio, Jenny (Jeffrey) Gondek. Her legacy continues through her 13 cherished grandchildren, Brie (Daniel) Cischke, Clara Ignich (Rodrigo) Pocasangre, Angela Maiuri, Marlena Soave, Aaron Maiuri, Salvatore (Katherine) DiMercurio, Mario (Cassandra) DiMercurio, Marina (Salvatore) Badalamenti, Jenelle (Thomas) Stanko, Jake (Casey) Gondek, Jeana (Kyle) Bindas. Great- grandmother of 14, Kalie, Audrina, Gianna, Camila, Hendrix, Salvatore B., Salvatore D., Selina, Siena, Josephina, June, Gino, Agostino, and Violet. She was preceded in death by her dear granddaughter, Leia McDoniel.

Margaret, raised in Mt Clemens by immigrant parents from Germany and Hungary who instilled in her a strong work ethic and love of family. Margaret attended Lakeshore High School. There she met her lifelong sweetheart, Frank. During his 2 years in the U.S. Navy, Margaret’s unwavering devotion shown through the daily letters she wrote to him, a testament to their love before their marriage on July 14,1951.

During the early career, Margaret worked as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell. Later, she embraced her role as a homemaker, lovingly raising her 5 children. She also held various bookkeeper positions and served as "Miss Dig" for Michigan Bell until her retirement. Margaret cultivated many hobbies, including sewing, quilting with her Dorcas Guild club at Redeemer Lutheran Church, crafting, porcelain doll making, and refinishing antique furniture and upholstery, inherited from her mother and uncle’s tailoring background, led her to create garments for her family, Bridal Shops, and even wardrobes for the Rockettes in Detroit.

She generously passed down her experience and passion for these crafts to her talented daughters. A constant source of encouragement Margaret enthusiastically supported all her children’s and grandchildren’s, education, sports, dance, and musical endeavors.

A Church service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 30003 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI 48082. Instate 10:30 AM, Monday, October 6, 2025, until time of service 11:00 AM.