Obituary of Margaret Mullings

Margaret Mullings, also known as Maggie, Poddie, Ma and Mama Margaret  was born Margaret Adelaide Podd on March 19, 1929 to Edith and Ernest A. Podd in Newark, NJ. She departed this life May 24,2024.

Margaret spent her childhood in Hudson, NY, attending the local schools, graduating Hudson High School in 1946 (one of a few Black students). She was Senior Editor of the high school yearbook where she utilized her creative writing skills. “Poddie” was also known for her classical music talent. As a soprano, she performed at the local churches, concert halls and theaters. She also won a classical voice competition.

While Margaret considered a musical career, she ultimately chose to pursue nursing, following her Mother’s career path. She began her studies at Oswego State College, but then applied and transferred to Bellevue Hospital’s School of Nursing. She graduated the Class of 1951.

She spent her 50 year career at Bellevue Hospital. Her last rotation was as Head Nurse for the outpatient Clinic – 1 West! Bellevue was her happy place. Margaret thrived on caring for her patients - treating Polio and Tuberculosis outbreaks, Aids epidemic, prison inmates and more. She worked with the best and brightest medical minds who dealt with every trauma imaginable.

Margaret met her soon to be husband, Alvin Mullings, through a blind date arranged by a Bellevue nursing classmate, Janet Orridge. They married and started a family. Michael was their first born, followed years later by their daughter Michele.

Family life was extremely important to Margaret and Alvin. They established roots in East Elmhurst where there were barbecues and holiday celebrations with relatives and close family friends. There were trips to Niagara Falls, Cape Cod, Rye Playland, Jones, Coney Island and Rockaway beaches.  As Hudson remained Margaret’s happy place, she kept the childhood home where the family vacationed often over the years.

Margaret enjoyed many deep friendships - Inez, Ruth, Betty, Kay Kay, Georgia, Dottie, “Cherry” Cobette to name a few. Monthly Pokeno and Bingo games were legendary.

Margaret thoroughly enjoyed her retirement! She became active in the local chapter of the AARP, becoming one of the executive committee members. The chapter was proud of their fund-raising efforts which supported college scholarships for local graduates. There were also AARP trips to Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Pennsylvania and more.

Margaret and sister-in-law, Avis were two peas in a pod as they did so much together -  attending Elmcor Senior Center, monthly trips to the beauty salon, AARP meetings and travel. Margaret and Avis took turns in hosting holiday dinners and celebrating milestone events. One memorable trip was to attend Cousin Daniela’s wedding in Paris. 

Exercise was another passion. Margaret and Avis belonged to a gym in Flushing where they would walk a mile along the indoor track. Margaret also joined the Montclair YMCA and took senior classes.

Margaret’s life mission was to care and do for others.

Margaret is survived by son Michael, daughter Michele, grandson Billy, sister in law Avis, niece Linda, nephew Aldo, grand niece Caitlin, partner Johnathan,

 nieces Valerie, Jenifer, nephews Dickie, Jeffrey, Kim, great nephew Hunter, Karen, Keisha, Kai and their offspring, godson Frank, goddaughter Toni, her entire 25^th Avenue family, AARP chapter and Hudson family.

Lovingly submitted,

The Mullings Family