Margaret Mary Todd Krohn was born to Lawrence Todd and Elizabeth Sullivan Todd
on August 10, 1932 in New Bedford, Massachusetts. She was a triplet and tragically, her two sisters-of-the womb died soon after birth. An anonymous wealthy couple learned of the precarious state of the surviving premature baby and donated an incubator to the hospital, saving Margaret Mary’s life. This is the first of many miraculous graces which compelled her to live with generous abandon and a heart grateful to God.

The peace-keeping middle child, Margaret Mary cherished her sisters who predeceased her, Claire Todd Dyring and Jeannine Todd Houle. Her beloved “daddy” jokingly referred to the sisters as, “Duchess,”“Sunshine,” and “Trouble.” She grew up in Olean, NY surrounded by aunts and uncles and cousins. Margaret Mary graduated from Warsaw High School in 1950. The Sullivan sister aunts Bea, Agnes, and Katherine would serve as surrogate mothers in the aftermath of one Margaret Mary’s greatest sorrows—the sudden death of her mother in 1956.

From 1951 to 1955 living in Cleveland, Ohio Margaret Mary worked for the Cleveland Engineering Society as the Secretary to the ASME. Her hospitable heart and radiant smile made her an ideal candidate to greet employees and customers. Early on, a tall, handsome and shy engineer caught her eye. It frustrated her that he seemed interested, but was not asking her out. After more than six months, David Earl Krohn conjured up the nerve to ask her to a movie and a 71-year love affair began. In 1955 they were married and let’s just say, that was a fruitful union. Margaret Mary bore eight children—Kathleen Krohn, Elizabeth Harrje, David T. Krohn (Scott MacMillan), Michael Krohn (Susan), Mary Bea Sullivan (Malcolm Marler), Anne Krohn (Charles Ratcliffe), Patrick Krohn (Marcy Vernon), and Maureen Hinchman (Daniel).

Margaret Mary and Dave were partners in every way. Their ability to move in tandem most beautifully expressed on the dance floor. At their 66th wedding anniversary party they surprised their family by expertly dancing a 5-minute waltz and jitterbug number created especially for that occasion. Dave’s career meant they moved frequently—each time Margaret Mary conducted the operation of researching new schools (sound education a priority), packing for ten people, cajoling older children and consoling little ones.

A world traveler—both for Dave’s career and for pleasure, Margaret Mary embraced the culture in which she was visiting as a curious and gracious guest. She would regale her children, and frankly anyone who would listen, with fascinating stories of her travels. From 1982-1984 they lived in New Plymouth, New Zealand, one of the most exciting chapters of their life together.

The granddaughter of Irish immigrants, Margaret Mary proudly claimed her Catholic roots. Her faith defined every aspect of her life and she inspired and encouraged many. She had a special devotion to the rosary and the Blessed Mother Mary. Margaret Mary worshipped at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach where she started a Faith Sharing Group that has met weekly for more than twenty years. This group devotedly sustains one another. An extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, Margaret Mary initiated and up until eight days before her death, led a monthly Communion Service for those who could not physically attend church at her retirement community. The strength of Margaret Mary’s faith carried her through her final days, when she prayed with her family from her hospital bed, asked them to “Tell people I am not afraid;” and died peacefully on March 23, 2024 at Baptist Medical Center in Fernandina Beach with the “Ave Maria” playing and her rosary beads in hand.

In addition to her children, Margaret Mary is survived by 16 grandchildren, each of whom are certain they were her favorite. Her grandchildren are Tara White, Jeremy Harrje (Jennifer), Christopher Harrje (Fallon), Meghan Wertz (Andrew), Kyle Harrje, Lauren Krohn Wild (Jeff), Lynne Labbe (Nic), Michael Krohn, Brendan Meyer, Kristin Meyer, Tiana Pimentel, Leah Pimentel, Mina Vernon-Krohn, Daniel Hinchman, Jessie Hinchman, and Josh Hinchman. Margaret Mary is also survived by 13 great grandchildren and an abundance of friends and nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers Margaret Mary requested services are offered in her memory. Donations are encouraged for St. Michael’s Catholic School in Fernandina Beach or Micah’s Place. The family would like to express their appreciation for the tender care Margaret Mary received in her brief stay at Baptist Medical Center.

A memorial service will be held on April 26th, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach, Florida with a joyous reception to follow in the parish hall. She will be laid to rest in a family plot in Cedar Grove, North Carolina.