It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Maureen Blackwell, on August 14th, 2024, at age 39. Born in California with a head of white hair, Margaret was known to all that knew and loved her as “Momo” or simply “Moe”. As a child, she loved climbing trees and making mudpies. She was an adorable cheerleader when the family lived in Monmouth County, NJ, before joining the youth soccer league after the family moved to Ocean County.

She always had a flair for fashion! As a teen, she studied fashion and cosmetology. She graduated from Toms River High School South and traveled the country, always looking for new experiences. Indeed, she lived life to her fullest and was a free spirit.

Moe derived great joy from making witty comments that made those around her laugh. She was known for cheering up her friends and family with her dry humor and her comedic dancing. If you needed an honest opinion about something, she was the one to ask.

She loved music, especially the Grateful Dead. She had a tattoo honoring the band, among other pieces of body art.

Her raison d'être was her youngest son, Matthew Careo. She would gush about her boy to anyone who would listen. He was the brightest light in her life, and we are devastated that she will not see him grow up.

Moe is survived by her mother, Margaret Watson; her stepfather, Edward Watson; her sons, Alexander Thomas and Matthew Careo; her sisters, Elizabeth Zilinski (John) and Ashley Mitchell (Edward); her brother, Michael Demar; and her nieces: Nicole, Caitlin, Natalie, and Emma.

Moe was preceded in death by her father, James Michael Blackwell and her brother, Robert Johnson III.

Her adventurous spirit, kind heart, and loving nature will be missed by all who truly knew her.

There will be no funeral service, but there will be a celebration of life in October before her ashes are spread far and wide to honor her free spirit. Please reach out to her family if you would like more information.

It is our sincere hope that if you are struggling with addiction, you find and take advantage of the many paths to life-long sobriety, so that your family, your friends, and especially your children won’t lose you so soon. You are needed here. You are loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the nonprofit organization, Hope Sheds Light, at https://hopeshedslight.org/.