Margi Sirois Fess' Obituary
DR. MARGI SIROIS FESS, EdD, MS, RVT, LAT
Margi Fess of Port Richey, FL passed peacefully on June 7th, 2021, holding the hand of her beloved husband, Daniel, after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer.
Margi was a true gift, born on Christmas Eve 1959 in Philadelphia, PA. Her gift with words and her competitive spirit began with spelling. Besides winning at the school level, her mastery led to city-wide contests. And Margi’s love of Scrabble remained throughout her life – she was dubbed “Queen of the 7 Letter Words”. Often inspiring her game players to use their own four-letter words.
She married young and presented the world with her two greatest treasures, a daughter Jennifer and a son, Daniel. As a loving and devoted single mom she raised her children and continued her education in the veterinary field, earning degrees, honors and her doctorate in education. Margi was passionate about writing, teaching and loved what she did for a living. Her work includes a library of clinical textbooks and professional guides that she authored for her field. Dr. Margi’s final book will be published posthumously – leaving students to come with fundamental information to help them advance and achieve their goals.
In 2000, Margi met her knight-in-shining armor, the love of her life and best friend, Daniel Fess. Dan & Margi were inseparable. They were married for 16 happy years. Together they shared their life and together they also gave back – volunteering at the Hubbard House in Orlando with monthly meals that they prepared and served. Bringing nourishment and comfort to residents waiting for hope for their loved ones who were seriously ill in the hospital.
After 30 years in her field, Margi never slowed down. She lived in New Jersey, North Carolina, and Massachusetts, before settling down in Florida. No one knows where she found the time to do everything that she loved, but she did! She was a world traveler, loved cruises and spending time on any beach. She loved sports and made it a life goal to go to a baseball game at every stadium in the country. For relaxation Margi would enjoy her lake view and the company of her husband and their dogs, Tally, Delta and Belle, while sipping a “Margi”rita or Mimosa.
Margi S. Fess was predeceased by her mother Maria Flack by just 3 months, and her father Joseph Mariani. She is survived by her husband, Daniel, and her two children, Jennifer (Kash) Mahdi and Daniel. Her sister Anne (Chuck) Donahue and brother Joe (Cindy) Mariani. Other loved ones that will miss Margi include her many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and colleagues.
Services will be held at Grace Memorial Gardens, Hudson FL on June 26th at 10:.00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Exodus 23:20
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”
What’s your fondest memory of Margi?
What’s a lesson you learned from Margi?
Share a story where Margi's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Margi you’ll never forget.
How did Margi make you smile?
