Margaret Mary Gimbl

In Loving Memory of Margaret Wilder Gimbl

Margaret Wilder Gimbl, a fierce, loving, and endlessly resilient woman, passed away after a long and courageous battle with numerous health challenges, including Mantle Cell Lymphoma and multiple strokes. She was a fighter in every sense of the word, facing each hardship with grace, determination, and a spark of humor that never dimmed.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Harbor Isle, Island Park, Margaret was the second of four children born to William Sr. and Dorothy Wilder. She shared her early years with her siblings Billy, Jimmy, and Linda Ann. As a young woman, Margaret moved to Queens, NY, where she would raise her beloved daughter, Dawn.

Margaret's life was far from easy, but she met every challenge with unmatched strength. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for her daughter, sometimes taking on second jobs to make ends meet. Her career spanned 24 years at Citibank, and after being laid off during a restructuring, she wasted no time reinventing herself—eventually finding joy and purpose working at Home Depot. There, she thrived, constantly learning, exploring new departments, and forging deep friendships. Home Depot became her second home and an extension of the community she helped build wherever she went.

She faced a decade-long health journey with grit, surviving cancer, multiple strokes, pleural effusion, and other serious conditions that would have broken a lesser spirit. But Margaret danced through the pain—literally. Her anthem, Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie," became a symbol of her will to keep moving, even when the only thing she could move was a single toe. That small gesture sparked an incredible recovery and became a metaphor for her life: small steps, big impact.

She loved to dance, to laugh, to sing, and to savor a good glass of wine or coffee chat. Her Irish roots ran deep, and she carried them with pride—strong, self-reliant, and filled with warmth. Margaret may not have had much materially, but she had an abundance of love and gave it freely to those around her.

Margaret is survived by her three siblings—Billy, Jimmy, and Linda—as well as sisters-in-law Jean and Annie, and brother-in-law Mike. She is also survived by her devoted daughter, Dawn, who lovingly cared for her through every trial, and by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who brought her joy.

She was blessed with "bonus" children—Frank, Gail, and Lisa—whose families became her own. She cherished her grandchildren: Emily, Christian, Nicolas, Gabriella, and Justin. A special thank you goes to Andrew and Kay, two dear friends who were steadfast companions through Margaret's later years, offering help, laughter, and love.

Margaret Wilder Gimbl's legacy is one of courage, compassion, and an enduring belief in the power of perseverance. Her family would like to thank everyone who supported and loved her through the years. You brought light to her life and joy to her heart.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a GoFundMe that will be established to help with final expenses.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 5pm to 8pm; Prayer service from 7:00 to 7:30 at New Leaf Cremation in the Macken Mortuary building. 3930 Long Beach Road, Island Park, NY 11588.

If anyone would like to say a few words or share memories about my mom, we would appreciate it.  This is a celebration of my Mom's life and we all need smiles to lift us all up.