Margaret "Margie" Willing (née Brunkel)

May 5, 1942 – March 27, 2025

With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Margaret "Margie" Willing, known to those who loved her most as Maw Maw. She passed away on one of her favorite days—Cincinnati Reds Opening Day. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who never hesitated to lend a hand, share a laugh, or go out of her way for the people she loved.

Margie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald J. Willing (2004). She is survived by her devoted sons, Todd (Sue) Willing and Brian (Kelly) Willing; her cherished grandchildren, Linzey (Greg) Russell, Katie (Danny) Plazarin, Karli (Corey) Heiskell, and Brent (Ashley) Willing; and her adoring great-grandchildren, Paizley, Scarlett, Willow, Olive, Ellie, Ezra, Izzy, and Isaac. She also leaves behind her siblings, Annette (Jim) Gray, Timothy (Dianne) Brunkel, and the late Frank Brunkel, as well as many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends, including "The Dirty Dozen," her closest circle of friends who were like family.

Margie was deeply involved in her community. She was a proud member of the Jaycees, an active supporter of the Madeira Historical Society, and an avid bowler who rarely missed a game. Long before Uber, she was the one you called for a ride to the airport, always happy to help. But more than anything, she took care of her people.

She was spunky, stubborn in the best way, and always the life of the party. She loved Neal Diamond and Dean Martin, fireworks, chocolate malts, and a good smashed hamburger. She had a passion for baking, filling her kitchen with the smell of pizzelles, snickerdoodles, and countless other homemade treats that she made with love. And if you had a loose tooth? Maw Maw was more than happy to pull it for you.

We can already picture her in heaven, arms raised high, belting out "Sweet Caroline" at the top of her lungs—because if that song was on, Maw Maw was singing along. She's undoubtedly found the best seat for fireworks, reunited with Paw Paw, and cheering on the Reds. Heaven just got a little louder, a little brighter, and a whole lot more fun.

A celebration of Margie's life will be held at Gate of Heaven on April 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor her memory by taking care of your people, cheering a little louder for the Reds, and never missing a chance to enjoy a fireworks show—just like she would have wanted.