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 or 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, she 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 her beloved city of San Francisco, CA, where she was a highly regarded 7th grade teacher at Saint Vincent De Paul. 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 her hometown, Detroit, Michigan. She raised four children, Bradley Bullington, Kelly Bullington Hux, Gregory Bullington and Alexandra Bullington, who loved and adored her, and loved and cherished her 7 grandchildren.

While raising four children, she 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 children, but many of their friends. Whether hosting spaghetti feeds for high school football players in high school 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 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; 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, 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, 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.

Midge's Memorial and Celebration of Life in Bellevue, WA, will be held Sunday, April 6th, 2025 at 2pm at The Golf Club at Newcastle, see more details and RSVP at online-tribute.com/Midge-Bullington by April 1st.

In lieu of flowers, please share donations with St Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org