Margot Violet Volkman was born under the full moon on Sunday, October 9th, 2022 in Norfolk, Virginia to Meghan and Zach Volkman. On the morning after her birth, Margot was transferred to the NICU at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. Margot stayed in the NICU for 10 days, where she was tragically diagnosed with a severe brain injury that was the result of oxygen loss around the time of birth. Margot fought courageously through testing and treatments, but the injury was irreversible and dramatically life-shortening. She was discharged on October 20th to her home for hospice care. After 10 days at home with her family, Margot passed peacefully in her parents’ arms late on the evening of October 30th.
Margot had dark blue eyes, chubby cheeks, and a full head of her mother’s strawberry blonde hair. She was beautiful, brave, and a fighter from the start. She was visited daily by her parents at CHKD and was able to spend time with many of her extended family members. During her three weeks of life, Margot’s parents read her many books, sang songs, and told her how loved she was. Margot and her parents made memories visiting the beach, going for a hike at First Landing State Park, and snuggling together by the fireside at home. She was able to spend time with her loving dog, Gatsby, and she enjoyed her pacifier and bath time. Most of all, she was comforted by being held and rocked by her family.
Margot is survived by her parents, Meghan and Zach Volkman, her grandparents, Debbie Lewis, Scott Clark, Lisa Volkman, and Dave Volkman, her aunts, Abigail Clark and Abby Volkman, her uncle, Griffin Clark, and many, many more loving family members.
A memorial service will be held in Margot’s honor on November 12th at 11AM at the Altmeyer Maestas Chapel located at 1801 Baltic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make a donation in Margot’s name to Edmarc, the children’s hospice organization that provided compassionate care for Margot and her family. Donations can be made at https://edmarc.org/donate-now/.
Meghan and Zach,
It is an honor to see the powerful love you share for your daughter. You and beautiful Margot are in our hearts.
Meghan & Zach,
There are not enough words to describe how sorry I am that you and your beautiful daughter have to go through this. Margot was so incredibly lucky to have had such loving and kind parents. Her life has already touched so many and her story and your story will continue to touch so many people as you continue on keeping her spirit alive. Your strength, determination, bravery, and love for your daughter is something I admire so much. If there is any way I can offer any love, support, a listening ear, please do not hesitate to reach out. I have made a donation in Margot’s name to Edmarc. Sending you both (and your pup) so much love and healing.
Meghan and Zach,
What a lovely memorial to your beautiful daughter. Margot was so blessed to have you both as parents. Thank you for sharing a taste of the precious, hard, holy days you spent with her. May the love you shared sustain you in your grief. I am praying for you, your family, and for Margot.
(I think our W&M class will be offering some support, but please don’t hesitate to ask if there is anything we can do or provide for you.)
Dear Meghan,
I have only known you for a short time but I could tell from the moment we met that you would be an amazing mother. That has turned out to be all too true. Your strength and bravery through this journey is nothing short of incredible. I am truly in awe of you. That said, I hope you know you don’t need to be strong all the time. We are all here if and when you need someone to lean on. I wish I could come to the memorial but I will be away this weekend. I’ll be here anytime you need when you come back to school.
Dear Meghan and Zack: we heard about Margot’s passing today in class from Dr. Deitz. I know that we expected to be many God Parents to your beautiful daughter. Take heart dear ones, Enfold and give strength to each other.
with deepest sympathy
Lynn Hosegood
Meghan and Zack, I am so sorry for your loss of your beautiful girl, Margot. This tribute is so beautiful, it shows how powerfully loved she must have felt on earth. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Meghan and Zack, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter. The love that you share with her will always exist, and it is clear she is so deeply loved. My heart goes out to you and I will keep you in my prayers.
Zack and Meghan, we were so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful daughter, Margot. Gone too soon but not forgotten. She was surrounded by much love in her short life.
Dear Meghan, Zach and Gatsby, I am so grateful to have known you and your beautiful girl. Thank you for letting us take care of her.
The world lost a beautiful soul with Margot’s passing. It is heartwarming to hear that she received more love and care in her 3 short weeks than most people will feel in a lifetime. My heart goes out to the entire family as we all mourn the precious life that was taken so so quickly.