On October 26, 2023, Margaret “Marj” Mary Hurley, 94, of Bloomfield, peacefully left us to reunite with her beloved husband and son in heaven. Born April 11, 1929, in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, to Eily and Padraig O’Shea, Margaret fondly remembered her early years among her ten siblings gallivanting ‘Woodville,’ her childhood home.

In the mid-1950s, Margaret and her husband, David Gerald Hurley, embarked on a journey to New York by boat, in pursuit of a better future. They eventually settled in Bloomfield, CT, where they raised their four children and operated their business, Colonial Hearth Caterers.

Margaret was always guided by her lifelong pursuit of knowledge. She earned her Associate in Arts degree in 1988 and an Associate in Science degree in 1991 from Greater Hartford Community College, along with an Advanced Biblical Studies Certificate in 2013 from the Archdiocese of Hartford. At the age of 62, she shifted to a career in nursing, dedicating herself diligently until her retirement in 2011.

Outside of the classroom, Margaret was a multilinguist and chased her love of learning with countless books, National Geographics, and newspaper clippings. She had a deep appreciation for ancient civilizations, nurturing her garden, and marveling at the birds. Traveling was a passion, and Margaret bravely trotted the globe, from Greece to Germany, often delighting in recounting her adventures to friends and family. We will deeply miss her enterprising character and worldly spirit.

Margaret is survived by her three children: Patrick Hurley and his wife, Paula Hurley, of Manchester, CT; Sean Hurley and his wife, Amy Hurley, of Wethersfield, CT; and Missy Marino, of Fort Wright, KY. She is also survived by her "good as gold" grandchildren: Cormac Hurley, Olivia Hurley, Brenden Hurley, Joseph Marino, Myles Hurley, Lily Marino, and Michael Marino. She was predeceased by her loving husband David Gerald Hurley, and her son Myles John Hurley.

A celebration of Margaret’s life and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 3, at Sacred Heart Church, 26 Wintonbury Ave, Bloomfield. Her burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Bloomfield. Calling hours will take place from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, just before Mass, at Sacred Heart Church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to your local food bank. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Duncaster’s Cedar Unit for their care and compassion.