By Peggy Lee
9:09 PM EDT, June 9, 2010
A street in Scranton now bears the name of a woman who fell victim to domestic violence 30 years ago.
As the sounds of a bagpipe filled the air, friends, family and community members gathered at the end of the 2100 block of Jackson Street to officially unveil the street's new name as Margie Street. The sign is for Margie Holodnak Davis, who was killed on June 9, 1980 by her estranged husband whom she had filed a restraining order against.
At a ceremony on Jackson Street, the family Margie left behind dedicated the street in her name since it was the street they grew up on.
"It took a part of all of our hearts. She was the first, she was the oldest, she lead all of us," said brother Pat O'Malley.
Scranton City Council approved the go-ahead to rename the street as well as declaring June 9, 2010 as Margie Day in Scranton.
For Councilman Jack Loscombe, his vote was personal. "I've known the O'Malley family all my life. I knew Margie. They've worked tirelessly to expose the problem with spousal abuse," said Loscombe.
Since Margie's death, her family has volunteered with the Women's Resource Center. The center's director, Peg Ruddy, said they have been crucial in building awareness. "The O'Malley family has really kept the social problem of domestic violence really in the forefront of this community," said Ruddy. "This is a really important day to recognize their sister."
Many hope this sign will honor a victim and save others from her fate.
"And so why you name a street after her is to remind people how she lived and how she died and force people question, who was she and how did she die," said Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty. "And so then we can stop domestic violence."
Every year the family gives out a Margie Award to a person who shows outstanding work to fight domestic violence. Last year's recipient was Luzerne County Judge Tina Gartley.
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