Mary Margie Girard
Mary "Margie" Girard, 75, of Bradford, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, NY, surrounded by her children.
Born on July 30, 1951, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late John "Jack" and Margaret "Peggy" (Colburn) Burns.
Margie was a 1969 graduate of Bradford Central Christian High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1973. Margie taught fifth grade for the Bradford Area School District for 35 years until her retirement in 2009.
Margie loved playing bridge, swimming at Pitt, attending craft shows, and cheering on her beloved Buffalo Bills. An avid reader, it was not uncommon for her to be midway through three different books at any given time. She was an exceptional cook whose legendary pasta salad could have won awards, and an expert at finding the perfect seasonal decoration for any occasion. Margie appreciated life’s simple pleasures—whether enjoying a fine glass of wine, taking a scenic drive through Willow Creek on a sunny afternoon, or sharing her quick wit and fun sense of humor. Above all, she was a fantastic listener and a devoted Nonni who loved teaching her granddaughters math tricks, playing card games, and reading together.
Surviving is one daughter, Jessica (Sean) Connaghan of Purcellville, VA; one son, Justin (Cristy) Girard of Herndon, VA; and two cherished granddaughters, Caroline Connaghan and Easton Girard. She is also survived by five brothers: Dan (Jamie) Burns of New Britain; Dave (Judy) Burns of Canonsburg; Mark (Minnie) Burns of Duke Center; Pete (Danielle) Burns of Story, WY; and Mat (Jen) Burns of Beaver Falls; the Girard family; and many loved nieces and nephews.
Margie was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, Tom Girard; and her brothers, Tim and Mick Burns.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in St. Bernard Church, where at noon, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held with Rev. John Jacquel, Pastor as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Bradford Area Public Library or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
All Condolences -
So sorry to hear of Margie’s passing. Working with her at School Street Elementary was a real pleasure. She had a special way with her students. She made learning fun. Our prayers are with her family.
— Sam and Peggy Johnson
To the Girard Family I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Girard was my 5th grade math teacher. She was a really good math teacher too. I still think about those days quite a bit. She will be dearly missed.
— Matt Dougherty
So sorry to hear of Margie’s passing. Working with her at School Street Elementary was a real pleasure. She had a special way with her students. She made learning fun. Our prayers are with her family.
— Sam and Peggy Johnson
Abbott Road lost part of its heart and soul with the passing of your mom. She was a great neighbor, person, and cheerleader for the neighborhood. She embodied all that is good about a small town. We are heartbroken for you and truly share in your sadness.
— Alesia Richards and Kevin Sullivan
Justin , Jessie and families sorry for your loss thinking and prayers to you all
— Joe Fuoco
Dave and I send our deepest sympathy to Jessica and Justin and all your family. Margie was Shelly and Pug’s 5th grade teacher who they truly loved. She would always acknowledge any of their accomplishments.
Margie helped to teach me how to play bridge.
RIP dear friend and teacher
Dave and Nancy Fuhrman
— Nancy Marie Fuhrman
Life on Abbott with our little group of friends will be lost without you here. Our lives were better for knowing you.. our daily calls…texts…visits…decorating. It won’t be the same without you. I’ll miss those moments so much , my friend.
— Faith Hughes
We will miss Margie. It was lovely sharing a granddaughter (Easton) with her. We shared many laughs talking about kids and grandkids. We had such fun on vacation together and laughing with family. God Bless the family and those who loved her.
— Sandi and Doug Koebler
So sorry for your loss. Your mother was a sweet lady and we always enjoyed visiting with her. We remember playing a game with her once and she did have a great sense of humor. I (Kay) did have the pleasure of talking with her this past Spring. I am thankful for that. May she rest in peace and prayers to all her family.
— Kay & Pat Colligan
So very sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy for you all. Heaven certainly has gained an angel. God bless.
— Kevin & Gail Moyer
Justin, Kristy, Jessie and Sean..your Mother was a wonderful sister-in-law.....and such a great Teacher.... remember when they got engaged....my Mother asked " Tom, is she Catholic" ..he answered "are you kidding ...her name is Mary Margaret....and her brothers are named after the Apostals"..she will be missed especially by those two beaautiful Granddaughters ..Love and Prayers Aunt Loretta
— loretta sampson
So sorry of Margie''s passing. We here at the Bradford Library will miss seeing and visiting her. We enjoyed talking about books and the state of the Bills.
Go Bills
— Sarah Rhodes