Margaret Bargh

Margaret Hayes Bargh, a lifelong resident of Champaign, passed away on June 22, 2025. 

The first child of John and Anastasia Hayes, she was born on September 16, 1927, and was the beloved sister of Jack, Jerry, Tom, Sanci, Aileesha, Joe, Florence, and Patrick.  Margaret was a lifelong member of Holy Cross parish, and graduated from Champaign High School in 1945.   She majored in Geology at the University of Illinois and was a member of the class of 1949. 

In college she worked in a dean’s office and there met her husband George Bargh; they were married in 1951.  The couple had four children: John, Mary Jo (Jody), Barbara, and Margaret (Molly), six grandchildren: Erin, Veronica, Greg, Kevin, Margot, and Danielle, and one great-granddaughter, Riyo. 

Margaret worked for many years at the Illinois State Geological Survey and was pivotal in bringing analog geological data into the computer age, converting analog coal resource maps into digital computer formats. 

She was preceded in death by her husband George and daughter Jody. 

In accordance with Margaret's wishes, she will be cremated and friends may greet the family from 4:00-6:00pm on Tuesday July 8 at Owens Funeral Home (101 N. Elm St.) in Champaign.  There will be a Memorial Mass at 10:00am on Wednesday July 9 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Champaign.  Her cremated remains will be buried at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Champaign.  

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