Margaret Mercer Griggs

Margaret Mercer "Margarita" Griggs, our beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, was embraced by the arms of Christ on Sunday morning, May 3rd, after a heroic battle with cancer. Her sparkling joy and unconditional love will continue to bloom in every garden and every heart she touched during her 61 years of life.

Born on Bayou Boeuf in Lecompte on July 27, 1964, Margaret was the daughter of Bettye Jane Hoyt and Malcolm Moody II. She was one of four siblings born into adventure. Since her father's engineering job took him abroad, she lived in Trinidad, England, Belgium, and Singapore before journeying back home to Louisiana in the NOLA/Slidell area. Those travels left an indelible mark on her spirit, giving her a lifelong love and compassion for all people and cultures.

Margaret became a mother at nineteen and spent every day of the rest of her life striving to provide memories and opportunities for her two daughters, never wavering in her support and spirit.

During her career this gentle soul wore many hats, from McDonald's to the Office of Motor Vehicles, but her more than 20 years as a rural mail carrier for the US Postal Service was her proudest professional achievement. This career began with a second-hand left-hand-drive Jeep that her late husband, Stephen, lovingly outfitted and kept running for her. She was deeply loved by her customers - gifts, cards, and tokens of appreciation covered her kitchen counters each Christmas.

Margaret often said that the best days of her life were the days her daughters were born. Then, in the 90's, she met the love of her life, Stephen, in a chance work encounter that led to "el amor"! The two tied the knot in 1996 in a romantic Las Vegas ceremony. Together they built a true partnership of 27 years. If Stephen had a green thumb, Margaret had a golden thumb. The lovebirds turned their backyard into a lush sanctuary of palms, camelias, cucumbers, and cantaloupe that they jokingly referred to as "Griggs State Park."

She also loved cooking new recipes and decorating their home, with HGTV and Cooks' Country playing constantly in the background. She happily shared everything she learned with others. She was such good company that it was common for family to treat her to trips abroad, including to Ireland and Jamaica. Her favorite place in the whole world was New York City, where she visited five times since 2011. She always wanted to go back, and encouraged others to visit to take in the rich history and culture. Besides gardening and interior design, she adored dancing, 70's music and rock, jewelry design, four legged critters, and banana splits (extra nuts!).

Her generous spirit has left permanent footprints in the hearts of others. She poured love into her grandchildren, handcrafting elaborate gifts like edible chocolate Easter baskets, decorating festive Halloween and Christmas scenes, and taking them on special trips to NYC, fairs, festivals, and beaches. She also helped care for her first husband, Greg, when he became ill. Those who knew her are inspired to follow her lead of forgiving wrongdoings, and showing love by taking meaningful action.

Margaret is survived and deeply missed by her daughters Alyssa and Charisse Fauconne De Calongne, her grandchildren Jack and Yuna Fauconne De Calongne, her sister Paula Sen (Mark), brothers Malcom Moody III (Tammy) and John Moody, and many cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Stephen Griggs, and her parents Bettye Jane Hoyt and Malcolm Moody II.

A celebratory memorial for Margaret will be held on Tuesday, May 12, from 11am to 1pm at Vineyard Church of Baton Rouge. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to cancer research.