The D'Alton Park resident's death occurred less than two years after that of her beloved husband and All-Ireland hurling final umpire Noel. Margaret (nee Darby) married Noel in 1970 and they had four children, Noelie, Caroline, Sandra and Stacey. Noelie played hurling with St. Oliver Plunkett's and football with Mullingar Shamrocks, while Sandra coached camogie in Plunkett's.

Her late husband's involvement in the GAA prompted Margaret's keen interest in Plunkett's. Noel was best known as an umpire for top hurling referee Barry Kelly. Along with Barry and his fellow umpires Seamus O'Brien, Anthony Gavin and Michael Coyle, Noel officiated at many of the biggest hurling games of the past decade, including the 2006, 2008 and 2012 All-Ireland senior finals.