Margaret Mary Orlosky (nee McCarthy) age 87 of Apollo Beach, FL, formerly Ocala FL and Cleveland, OH passed away at the Sun City Center Hospice House on September 30, 2016. Born February 11, 1929 in Woonsocket, RI to Augustine and Marie McCarthy. She was preceded in death by Gregory V. Orlosky, her beloved spouse of almost 60 years, their son Paul, her brothers Charles "Leo" and Augustine "Gus" McCarthy and three sisters, Marie Theresa "Toots" Lasch West, Joan Filliatreault and Mary Arleen Moenich.

Margaret is survived by her sons: Raymond (Judy), Gregory (Lynn), David (Annette) Mark, Daniel (Rhonda), William (Nancy) and daughter Kathleen Bernhardt, 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and many treasured nieces and nephews.

Margaret was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and cherished friend to many. She was proud to say that as a young woman, she operated an elevator in a department store in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Margaret and Gregory married October 18, 1947. At age 48, Margaret got her driver's license and went to work in a machine shop as a drill press operator.

Margaret and Gregory retired in FL in 1985 on a lake in the Ocala National Forest where they both enjoyed fishing and the abundance of wildlife that visited them daily. All of the children visited often which was a delight to them both. Margaret also embraced her membership in the Red Hat Society in Ocala, FL where she made many new friends.

Margaret and her siblings were orphaned when young and they all spent time in institutions and foster homes. Despite being separated, they managed to find each other and continued a loving relationship throughout their lives.

Even without having her mother to nurture her, Margaret brought eight children into the world and she set an example as wife, caretaker, cook, nurse, bedtime storyteller, disciplinarian, referee and above all the most kind and gentle mother anyone could ever have. She had a way to make those around her feel special. She never asked for anything and did without to make sure others had what was needed. Somehow she always had enough to share with those in need by leaving food out on the front porch in Cleveland for the homeless on a regular basis.

Margaret loved music and dance. She was the Polka Queen even though she was of Irish heritage. She and her husband Gregory would tear up the dance floor when given the opportunity. She will be remembered for her kindness and her sense of humor. She always treated everyone with a smile and a kind word. Anyone who came in contact with Margaret was fortunate to have known her. Her children were truly blessed to have had her as mother and friend.

Services will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Good Shepherd Memorial Garden's, 5050 SW 20th Street, Ocala, FL 33474 (352) 237-2212

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sun City Hospice House, 3723 Upper Creek Drive, Ruskin, FL 33573 or Cure Alzheimer's Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 200, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.