Margaret Short, retired registered nurse

Margaret (Plummer) Short, 90, died at home Monday, May 6, 2024, after a brief illness.  

Margaret was born on a farm at Oyster Rocks (near Milton). After graduating from Lewes High School, Margaret attended Milford Nursing School, where she completed her training in 1954. It was during her training that she met Austin Short Jr. whom she married in 1957. Margaret spent the next 66 years with Austin on their family farm near Georgetown. The farm was host to many gatherings, home to a variety of beloved animals, never lacked a project, and where Margaret canned her award-winning sweet pickles.

Margaret worked as a registered nurse for 42 years at Milford Hospital, including the step-down unit and outpatient services, where she completed her career in 1997. She cared for and helped thousands of patients during her career as witnessed by the many people who told her family through the years how much they appreciated her tender care. She was also a dear friend to many of her colleagues and neighbors, including Kelly Abbott, Dorleen Messick, Nanette James, Carla Short and Irma Warrington, as well as a friend to many of her son’s colleagues who affectionately called her Mama Short. She was active at both Coolspring and Georgetown Presbyterian Churches, including working with Kelly Abbott to provide beautiful flower arrangements at Georgetown for many years.

However, Margaret’s favorite job was a grandmother. After years of waiting (and praying), she was blessed with two grandsons. Her first grandson could not say Mom Mom but instead called her Mom Mo, and Margaret loved her new name until her death. She reveled in her role as a grandmother. She is survived by her sister, Ruth (Macintire); husband (Austin Jr.); son and daughter-in-law (Austin III and Kelley); and two grandsons (Eli and Henry). She was preceded in death by her parents (Charles and Fannie); and an infant son (Arthur).

A funeral service will be held at noon, Monday, May 20, at Coolspring Presbyterian Church, 28843 Log Cabin Hill Road, Lewes. Visitation for friends and family will begin at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, fundraising.stjude.org/goto/MargaretShort. 

Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Georgetown. 

Online condolences can be made at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.