The obituary notice of Margaret Mary MCDERMOTT (McDermott)

I'm really sorry to hear of Margaret's passing. It was always a pleasure popping round or sharing thoughts on Facebook. Sadly, missed.

Dear Margaret, she was so special. How lovely to read tributes from other people she managed or worked with from the library service. It is surely a rare talent to be so highly regarded and valued by one's colleagues, and more than this, to become a true friend. I moved away a few years ago and domestic responsibilities mean I have not visited Nottingham since, but Margaret was a faithful, interesting and entertaining correspondent, writing long letters by hand and also regularly checking on my welfare by email. I was so pleased she was able to draw on Alison's friendship and support particularly during the COVID lockdowns. Sarah, I was going to include the story of the fence burning and I am so glad someone else remembers it. I was there, wearing a totally unsuitable flimsy summer dress, trying to put out the flames! Then there was the time we interviewed the most unsuitable applicant for a Saturday job ever, and Margaret retained her composure, compassionate and professional to the last. And what a great champion of books and reading and libraries. I cannot do her justice. May she rest in peace.

RIEP dear Margaret. We had some rare old times on nights out and holidays...so many memories. Too many to share on here. You were a rare breed for sure xx

Dear Mags

You and I were a couple of feisty Irish crones with a love of music, good food, good books and challenging debate. We were both a little mad and determinedly not in need of fixing. I carry it all on for the two of us.

We floated around the same circles in Nottingham for forty years or more, but only became close in the last ten. We had shared history, shared passions and shared values. We were also able to disagree with another with gusto when necessary!

I have thought of you long and often during recent times when we were unable to meet up for a concert or a couple of shorts in the pub. Separation never dulled the fire of friendship.

Love and Light to You.

Julie Gosling

I first met Margaret in 1989 when I started working at the library. As a shy 17 year old, I had not met anybody quite like Margaret before (or since!) and I found her rather intimidating until I got to know her, she always encouraged me and I will be forever grateful for her friendship and kindness.

Her knowledge was incredible and she could talk about anything!
I can remember Margaret telling many stories in the staff room, in a cloud of smoke, smoking one of her many roll ups. Later, when smoking was banned inside, she would often disappear and you’d find her having a sneaky cigarette out the back of the library, you’d find her in her usual stance with her hand on her hip and her elbow sticking out! I’ve tried to manoeuvre this sticking out elbow in the library many times without success. One day, whilst have a sneaky cigarette out the back of the library, she managed to ignite the fence with her discarded cigarette!

I've been very lucky in life to know some AMAZING people, usually they are once in a lifetime but I have been blessed.

People who have more character and fire in their smallest finger than 99% of the population. And believe me if you know them they can't help but leave an impression.

Margaret McDermott, was one of those people.

We were colleagues first at Beeston Library, then she was my boss, the type of boss who is slightly eccentric, a little rebellious but also truly empathetic and more of a mother figure.

The stories she told are absolutely legendary and frequently COMPLETELY out of left field!

She retired in 2007, we were all dreading it. She supported me when I later left the service in less than pleasant circumstances.

We stayed friends and saw each other relatively regularly.

All that changed when Covid hit. We have got even closer. Margaret was still shielding as she was extremely vulnerable, I am vulnerable. We have both continued to be super cautious so we have been able to meet face to face and support each other.

I'm not sure any phone call we had in between visits lasted less than an hour usually more like two.

Margaret was an amazing lady. I'm not eloquent enough to do her justice.

She was a proud Liverpudlian, identified as a Communist, she was so well-read she could talk on ANY topic.

LOVED cats LOVED Irish history or any history, literature, music you name it.

She was an activist who went on more marches than I've had hot dinners and frequently got arrested (or nearly arrested).

She had a wild youth - I wish I'd known her then. I'm sure she could drink most people under the table.

She loved people (and we all loved her), loved life, loved learning, loved a good debate.

Oh and to do a classic Margaret..... she had the belly button of a supermodel (now there's a story!).