O’Melia, Margaret Jean
Margaret (Jean) O’Melia (nee Pollock), passed away peacefully on January 3, 2019. She was born on Christmas Eve, 1923, in Luxor, Egypt, where her parents served as missionaries. Jean liked to joke that she emerged from King Tut’s tomb, which had been opened the previous year. When she was in 3rd grade her family returned to the United States as her father took the pulpit of a Presbyterian church in Pittsburgh, Pa. While attending Westminster College, she met Robert O’Melia. They were married for 68 years until his death last year.
A homemaker, Jean also worked part time in several department stores, was an avid reader, knitter, beach comber, and passionate animal lover. She thoroughly enjoyed the companionship of many rescue dogs and cats, as well as birds, over the years. Most of all, Jean was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
She is survived by her four children, Linda (George), James (Lourdes Vidal, Milagros), John (Marilyn), and Laurie (Dennis), nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren, with another one on the way.
Arrangements are private as per her wishes and under the direction of the Smith-Taylor-Ruggiero Funeral Home, One Baker Avenue (Route 46) Dover, NJ 07801. A supporter of many causes, donations in Jean’s memory to human or animal welfare organizations would be welcome. Online condolences may be offered through www.smith-taylor-ruggierofuneralhome.com.
Smith – Taylor – Ruggiero Funeral Home
