Margot Frances Guinan (née Whalen) passed away peacefully on March 19, 2024 at Abington Hospital holding her daughter’s hand and surrounded in spirit by her family who had been with her over the past few days.
Born in 1940 in Philadelphia, PA, she was the beloved daughter of the late Margot and David Whalen.
Margot’s childhood days were spent in Southwest Philadelphia where she attended Good Shepherd Catholic School. After graduation, the family moved to Havertown (Monoa) and she attended Villa Maria Academy High School, then earned her Bachelor’s degree at Immaculate College. After her marriage to Richard H Guinan III, she moved to Mt Carmel, PA and raised four children. It was a joint effort for some good years, but after divorce, she was the founding member of the Single Motherhood Organization (SMO).
She had an early career as a Fashion Merchandise Buyer for Guinan’s Department Store and then spent several years raising her children at home and at Lakewood Park in the summers. Upon establishment of the SMO, her never-ending working days began as a pharmacy clerk at Rea & Derrick drug store, and a role as Borough Secretary. She became a police dispatcher for the borough supporting the community and the police department, assuring the Chief knew where the fish were being stocked. She spent many years as a Benefits Administrator for Northumberland County, with a fabulous car pool group for their daily commute, and retired from the County. In her spare time (irony), she was a CYO girl’s basketball coach and created the middle school girls basketball program for Mt Carmel. She also had part-time roles in the school district collecting tickets at home football and basketball games. After retirement, Margot moved to Doylestown to be closer to her grandchildren. Her last professional role was a short run at the Abington Theater in the title role of Nectarine.
Margot was smart, strong, empathetic, and fiercely loyal to her family. She had a presence that took over a room, and a laughter and embrace that would envelope you in comfort and warmth. She made an impact on everyone she met and was an inspiration to all. She was an avid reader, enjoyed Broadway (think Elaine Stritch “I’m Still Here”), relished going to the movies, was a wonderful piano player (not so much the violin) and loved her BBC series and Outlander.
Margot is survived by her four children: Richard Guinan and daughter-in-law Vivian; Margot Guinan McDonnell and son-in-law Kevin; Shannon Guinan; Francine Guinan and son-in-law Matt Lasecki; her grandchildren: Luke, Logan, Caitlin, Morgan, Chase, Jackson, Ryan, and Brian. As well as her sister, Fran Walheim and brother-in-law Jon Walheim and many nieces and nephews, grandchildren in kind, friends, neighbors, dogs, and white butterflies.
Relatives and friends are invited to her memorial service at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home, 2335 Lower State Road, Doylestown, where the family will greet guests from 9 a.m., until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Margot’s name to: Bucks County Free Library, 150 S. Pine Street Doylestown, PA 18901-4932 (buckslib.org/support) or go to dinner with your family.