Margaret passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, to be reunited with her beloved Henry in heaven for eternity. She endured until she was called home—as she lived—with strength, dignity, and on her own terms. She was born to Vincenzo and Angelina (née Corsonado) Santoro on November 22, 1930, in North Bergen, NJ.
Margaret was a loving wife, devoted mother, and beloved grandmother. She was also a remarkable storyteller, regaling her family and friends with providential adventures of her life: growing up with her father, mother, seven brothers, and four sisters in a five-room, one-bathroom railroad house; stifling giggles during WWII neighborhood lights-out drills; playing the accordion at school assemblies; working in a noisy embroidery shop; meeting lifelong friends and a future sister-in-law at her retail job at Carter’s on the “Avenue”; dancing at the Copacabana in New York City; encountering her newly returned soldier and future husband while he worked on his car as she and a friend rode their bikes through the neighborhood; renovating their first home; becoming a mother; holding her grandchildren for the first time; enjoying Atlantic City sojourns; and countless other tales filled with vivid detail.
Margaret smiled and laughed easily. She especially loved her early retail work in Hudson County stores like Carter’s and, after raising her children, her years at Dunkin’ Donuts near 76th Street in North Bergen. That may have been her favorite job, where she delighted in chatting with locals and truckers who often stopped in just to see her. She had endless stories from her time there, and when she finally quit, the owner came to her home week after week begging her to return.
Margaret carried two powerful attributes: warmth and charisma. She lit up a room and connected with people in ways that left a lasting impression—often remembered years later. To say she left her mark in this world is an understatement.
She was a generous, loving, proud, loyal, compassionate, and kind woman, deeply loved by her family and friends. She will be missed for the million little reasons that made Margaret such a special soul to know in this life.
Margaret is predeceased by her parents, Vincenzo and Angelina (née Corsonado) Santoro; her brothers, Mikey, Billy, Johnny, Louie, Joey, Ritzy, and Anthony; her sisters, Jenny, Philly, Helen, and Rosie; and her husband, Henry, who passed in 2021.
She is survived by her son, Gene Hirschel, and grandson, Cal; her daughter, Catherine Daron; son-in-law, Ramin; granddaughter, Ciana; and grandson, Remington, and his wife, Anna.
Visitation
Friday, September 19, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals
995 Fischer Blvd., Toms River, NJ
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 9:30 a.m.
St. Justin the Martyr R.C. Church
975 Fischer Blvd., Toms River, NJ
Entombment
Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River, NJ