Margaret Anne (Irwin) Bullington

A life well lived, is one of responsible stewardship, marked by the talents and blessings we have received.

"From those to whom much has been given, much is expected".                                           ~ According to Luke 12:48

Obituary

Margaret Anne (Irwin) Bullington, 80, of Bellevue, Washington passed away on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, surrounded by loving family.

Born to teach and nurture, she devoted her life to excelling as both an educator and a mother, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both roles. It was her life’s work, her passion and an incredible manifestation of her myriad gifts, which she generously shared with so many, beyond just her immediate family and students.

Born on December 5, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, she was the second daughter and child of William Joseph Irwin II and Louise Stevens (Woods) Irwin. She was part of a family that eventually grew to six children and was the sister of Mary Louise Irwin Landry, William Joseph Irwin III, Catherine Ethel Irwin, Dorothy Grace Irwin, and Thomas John Irwin.

From an early age, ‘Margaret Anne,’ as she was called by the nuns who guided her through much of her Catholic education, was recognized as someone destined to make a lasting impact on future generations. She graduated from St. Mary of Redford High School and went on to earn her undergraduate degree in History, with a minor in Education and a minor in English, from the University of Detroit.

Before committing to her eventual callings, 'Midge' as she became known outside of Michigan, set out to satiate her thirst for knowledge and experience through extensive travel. Midge’s passion for travel led her to a brief but eventful career as a flight attendant for Pan American World Airways (PanAm), providing her the opportunity to further explore the world.

Having quite literally traveled the world, she followed her true calling, resuming her formal teaching career, initially 8th grade at Emerson Middle School, in Detroit, Michigan.

On a serendipitous trip to Detroit, and chance encounter facilitated through mutual friends, Midge met a dashing, former Naval officer, Gary Bullington, who had just moved to San Francisco, her next destination.

Ever the adventurer, she set her eyes on the West Coast and moved across the country to continue her teaching career in what became her beloved city of San Francisco, CA, where she was a highly regarded 7th grade teacher at Saint Vincent de Paul (SVDP). Until her passing, on frequent visits to see her children and grandchildren in San Francisco, she still ran into her former SVDP students, who passionately highlighted the impact she had had on them 50 years prior. Many of them had gone on to prominent roles in business, finance and government. She took great pride in this.

In June of 1971, Midge married Gary Jay Bullington at St Mary of Redford Parish Church in their hometown, Detroit, Michigan. She raised four children, Bradley Bullington, Kelly Bullington Hux, Gregory Bullington and Alexandra Bullington, who loved and adored her. Midge doted on and loved her cherished 7 grandchildren.

While raising four children, Midge continued to contribute to her communities, in San Francisco, CA, San Jose, CA, and then in Bellevue, WA, exposing children to the world of art and literature as the Picture Lady, and founding member of the local Great Books reading program. She then taught Language Arts, Social Studies, Computers and eventually her favorite, Drama, at Tillicum Middle School.

Well into her 50s, she continued to lead by example, embracing lifelong learning and pursuing her ever-evolving passions. She earned a master’s degree in Drama and studied Shakespeare in London through a program at the world-famous Globe Theatre.

Formally and informally, she was ‘teacher’ to many, but even more special was the impact she had as ‘mom’ to not only her own children, but also to many of their friends. Whether hosting spaghetti feeds for high school football players or inviting friends of her children to join at the family dinner table before they headed out on Saturday nights, to fraternity brothers and adult friends, so many thought of and referred to her as ‘mom’. The power of hugs were one of her great superpowers.

She was a dedicated educator and contributing member to her community and all organizations with which she was involved. Her professional gifts were bettered only by her roles as Mother, Nanna, Aunt, Sister, Wife and Friend to all who knew her. She was the second oldest and a devoted sibling to her 5 brothers and sisters, raised 4 children who were molded by her; welcomed 2 daughters-in-law and 1 son-in-law into the family; deeply loved 11 nieces/nephews; cherished and adored 7 grandchildren; and was a true lasting friend to many.

Fond of, and with encyclopedic command of many ‘sayings’ and literary quotes, she was most well known in her family for frequently referencing the adage: ‘from those to whom much has been given, much is expected’. This became much of a family motto, or in times of challenge or confusion, a rallying cry and clarifier of path forward. It truly summed up her life ethos and explained her life-long commitment to education, mentorship and motherhood, likely better described as nurturer.

Midge is survived by her husband of 54 years, Gary; her 4 children, Bradley Bullington (Colleen), Kelly Bullington Hux (Jeremy), Gregory Bullington (Kristen), Alexandra Bullington; 7 grandchildren, Kieran Bullington, Emery Bullington, Brooklyn Bullington, Parker Hux, Sydney Hux, Whitman Bullington, Barron Bullington; her sisters and brother, Mary Lou Landry, Catherine Irwin, Thomas Irwin; 11 nieces and nephews; many additional relatives and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louise and William Irwin; sister, Dorothy Irwin; brother William Irwin III, along with many relatives and friends.

There will be a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life held in Bellevue, Washington on April 6th, 2025, followed by a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life this summer in Northern Michigan, so that friends and family near and far can participate in honoring a life well lived by Midge/Margie.

The celebration in Bellevue will be held on Sunday, April 6th, 2025 at 2pm at The Golf Club at Newcastle. More details below. Please RSVP by April 1st (via form below) if you plan to attend.

Gallery

Memory wall

April 6, 2025

Dear Bullington’s,

Midge passing is making us very sad. She was a true Lady —gracious, strong, full of life, and with a heart that touched all of us. We are still in admiration by the love, kindness, and real values she passed on to your wonderful family.

We are glad to have known her. We will always remember the special moments we shared—our unforgettable trip to France, her visit to our home, and the way she appreciated Marie-Annick’s cooking with such joy.

We share your grief, and in spirit, we join you to express our sincere condolences. She will always remain in our memory as a beautiful soul.

With love and heartfelt sympathy,

Christian & Marie-Annick Glon

April 6, 2025

Sending my love and prayers to the Bullington family.
Midge was such a kind and gentle soul. My daughters, Emily and Megan, enjoyed many happy times with Kelly and Alexa from elementary school through high school.
I enjoyed working with Midge on the Great Books reading program. We worked together presenting special activities with the Brownies and Girl Scout program and she made our weekend at Girl Scout camp fun during our overnight stay. I have fond memories of our great conversations by the pool while the kids were in swim lessons.
She was a wonderful neighbor and friend, and her family meant the world to her. She will be dearly missed.

Stephanie Strong

April 3, 2025

Dear Bullington Family - Midge was a wonderful mom and dear friend in our family's neighborhood in Bellevue. Our children, Annie and Jeff, were the same ages as Kelly and Greg, so they played together as toddlers to teens. Doug and I enjoyed various activities with Midge and Gary, especially our special Valentine Dinners at the Baugh's for so many years. I feel very blessed by the support Gary and Midge gave me when Doug passed away. I also feel fortunate that I was able to visit her during the past few years. I know how much Midge will be missed by all of her friends and family. I send you all my support and love.

Kathy Stewart

March 30, 2025

Midge was the first one to welcome my young family to the neighborhood almost 34 years and I was instantly drawn to her gentle kindness and her wit. She was an anchor of warm friendliness in our cul-de-sac and in my life. She and Gary raised an amazing family and I will be forever grateful for the privilege of knowing her.

Rest in peace, dear Midge.

Maureen Travaille

March 27, 2025

Eighty more years wouldn't be enough. Midge was a bright light, a kind soul, with a smile that matched her spirit. We enjoyed trips to the museum, reading magazines at the library, playing dominos, and sharing stories about being a grandma. She loved her family fiercely! She will be missed immensely.
Midge's spirit and spunk live on in the memories we shared.
Onward Beautiful One🕊️
Love
Crystal
(Companion/Friend)

Crystal Flores

March 27, 2025

Midge was my wonderful friend from the moment we met at the University of Detroit in 1962. We worked together at the School of Business, mainly stuffing envelopes with information of classes. While working, we had a great time in our basement "office" singing, dancing, talking, sharing stories, enjoying each other's company and becoming friends. Telling her of my dismal "D" in Freshman Philosophy, she sat me on the steps of the school and coached me to a "C". She was a phenomenal teacher, who led by example all her life. She loved her family above all and we kept in touch despite the miles. We got together when she visited sister Cathy in Ann Arbor, visited her and Gary in Bellevue with my sisters, and we met several times with Mary Lou in Leland. What a wonderful life to celebrate, and she truly modeled her saying of "To whom much is given, much is expected".

cindy chesney caviani

March 25, 2025

Truly “A life well lived”.

So sorry to hear about Margie’s passing. I have so very wondered memories of Don and me hanging out at LTL with the Irwin kids. We built so many wonderful memories. Playing cards, fishing for little perch, and generally growing up together.

What a great photo gallery of memories. Margie RIP.

Chuck Carr

March 25, 2025

My heart is grieving with you all. Midge was the most beautiful and generous and supportive spirit. We shared a love of theatre and education. I was so honored to have her support of the many shows I directed and to share sets and ideas together. She was one of my biggest fans. We were also theatre watching buddies. I loved all of our trips to the Seattle Rep together. She always updated me on all of her kids. She loved you all so much. I am beyond sad to read this. I send so much love to you all. No one will match her glorious beauty.
Lisa Kraus

Lisa Kraus

March 24, 2025

Midge was always with a smile and kind words, as well as a wonderful neighbor. We are sorry to miss her memorial.

Debbie Curran

March 24, 2025

Gary sorry to hear of your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you

Ed and Judy Wisnewski

March 24, 2025

My deepest condolences. I worked with Midge at Tillicum Middle School, and I was in awe of her - she was impeccable both professionally and personally. I enjoyed my many talks with her. She had great stories from a life well lived! I admired her and often thought of her after her retirement. She will be sorely missed.

Julie Tzucker

March 22, 2025

Dear Bullingtons,

I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I remember fun times at your house while growing up, with your mom’s warmth and friendliness anchoring your home. I especially remember being the beneficiary of generous and fun spaghetti dinners before soccer games at NHS. Thank you!

Thank you for sharing her beautiful obituary. I am grateful to have known her as Kelly’s mom and I wish you connection and support as you grieve.

Peace,
Annie

Annie (Stewart) Gilligan

March 21, 2025

From the moment I met her in that bar in Detroit and introduced her to Gary I knew there was something very special about Midge. Gary and I were there for training while working for Burroughs corp. Her nonjudgmental and soothing persona was a bright example for all of us. Over fifty plus years we shared so many fun times, it’s impossible to recount them. The rest is history as she became an integral part of all our lives. So sorry to lose such a special person, she was always a light that shined bright. We miss you and will always love you, as you will be in our hearts forever.

John Tortorici

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