Margaret Theresa Downs passed away unexpectedly, peacefully in her sleep, May 25, 2025, when the angels came to take her home. Margie was born June 1, 1947 at St. Mary’s Hospital in West Palm Beach to Francis F. (Duke) and Bernice T. Downs. Margie was a beloved daughter and loving sister to her brother John, and sisters Beth, and Dottie. Her parents, Duke and Bernice owned a construction company and built many homes and commercial buildings throughout Palm Beach County, beginning in the 40’s. As a result, over the years, the family lived in many different homes in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Shores, Singer Island, Juno, and North Palm Beach.

During her elementary and middle school years, Margie attended Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach, and then St. Francis of Assisi in Riviera Beach. Margie attended Riviera Beach High School and graduated with the Class of 1965.

Margie’s first job was as an administrative assistant at Solitron in Riviera Beach. Anyone who knew Margie, knows she had a distinct eye and flair for fashion. As a result, she left her secretarial job and headed into the fashion world at Burdine’s where she got her first taste of working in retail. From Burdine’s she went to Worth Avenue where she became the manager of Sportique Boutique. Her responsibilities included frequent buying trips to New York to select the fashion trends for Palm Beach during the 70’s, during these trips she also modeled for the designer, Michael Vollbracht. Back in Palm Beach, she had a long modeling career with Maezie Murphy Kline modeling agency. During this time, she pursued her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from Florida Atlantic University. After over 10 years on Worth Avenue, Margie joined her brother, John as co-owner of Gallery One in Lake Park. At the time, the Gallery had 10 full-time employees. Margie co-managed the business and waited on customers to help select frames and artwork. She also brought her eye for fashion to the Gallery when she and one of the other employees, Marta Hall, developed a line of hand painted shirts, scarves, jewelry, and decorative pillows.

Margie had many artistic talents. She loved dance and started ballet and tap lessons when she was 6 years old. She continued ballet with the Palm Beach Ballet Company where she performed at the Royal Poinciana Playhouse in the 60’s. Margie was also a visual artist and took painting classes from renowned artist, Murray Yorke during the 70’s.

Margie was the quintessential “big sister” and took her role seriously. She was a natural caretaker and giver. She devoted herself to helping Bernice and Duke during their later years. And most recently, she has been her brother, John’s full-time caregiver for the last five years.

She loved animals and her sweet dog, Bagel, was her constant companion for 16 years. Her latest fur-baby was Kiki, a loving tuxedo cat. Margie also loved the great outdoors. She loved being on the water in a boat or on a jet ski, she enjoyed traveling, working out, staying healthy, and watching old movies, especially old Westerns.

Margie was a very spiritual person. She felt very connected to different saints and angels and meditated daily. One of her favorite angels, Archangel Jophiel, is the angel of beauty and wisdom and most often associated with artists and artistic creations. Her spiritual nature, selflessness, love of family, and enthusiasm for life, made her an exemplary servant of her Lord. She was a true worshipper, and steadfast in her belief in the importance of duty. She was one of life’s “helpers,” and, through her kindness, had a positive impact on many people. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, and we know that she is finally with the angels.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/north-palm-beach-fl/margaret-downs-12397087