LOS ANGELES — The pleasure products industry has lost one of its beloved with the passing of Margaux O’Donaghue.
MD Science Lab director of sales Ellen Friedman broke the news on Facebook, saying: “Well, we knew this day was coming ... we laughed about it.... we cried about it...we talked about it... but damnit .... it still hurts so bad Margaux .... we have been through so much together in 15 years.... traveled the world all in the name of work.... we laughed at every airport we were ever at... sat on many curbs in countries where no one spoke English not to mention we didn’t even know where we were....”
“So for those in our industry it is with an extremely heavy heart that I tell y’all Margaux lost her fight with cancer..... Fuck cancer!”
MD Science, the company that O'Donaghue worked for over the past 19 years, released the following statement:
It is with our deepest regret that we are announcing that our beloved Margaux O’ Donoghue passed on March 27th of this year. Margaux worked for MD Science Lab, representing the Swiss Navy brand for over 19 years. In this time, she became a beloved member of the MD Science Lab family developing relationships that extended far past business. She lived a full and happy life taking pleasure from being around those close to her, be it family or co-workers. Her enthusiasm, her dedication to her craft and her relentless nature is what led to her success both personally, professionally and for the brand she represented…Swiss Navy.
Outside of her career, Margaux loved nature which included swimming, surfing and hiking some of the countries most beautiful national monuments. She is survived by her family who was at her side during this time of transition.
Please join us at a time, soon to be announced, to honor the memory of Margaux celebrating her life, memory and passions. She will be dearly missed by many here at MD Science Lab, throughout the industry and by anyone who she met over the years.
O'Donaghue's colleagues shared their sentiments on Facebook:
"Margaux was a one of a kind loyal devoted friend and business associate," Deluxe Distributors' Ed Braunstein said. "I’m so happy to have had the chance to see her in the preceding couple of months before cancer got the best of her. Always such a positive force was she!"
Kheper Games’ Cathy Ziegler remembers O’Donaghue as “classy and sassy” and “a real troubadour.”
“I will miss her,” Ziegler said.
Williams Trading Co.’s posted a tribute to O’Donaghue, saying: “The industry and world has lost a beautiful soul. Margaux O'Donoghue was fierce, fun, generous and a consummate business professional. She was and will remain a legend in our industry. I have fond memories of many great conversations at trade shows with Margaux. No one didn’t love her. My sincere condolences to her family, friends and our industry colleagues.”
Tamara Payton Bell of the Home Pleasure Party Plan Association, remembers O’Donaghue as “the sweetest and kindest woman” she ever met.
“She supported me and HPPPA from day one,” Bell said. “I was always super excited to see her at the shows. You will be truly missed Margo! Rest easy, my friend!”
