Margaret J. "Boots" Grey

Margaret (Boots) (nee Greig) Grey slipped away peacefully at home on November 27, 2025. Her lakeshore Camelot quietly ended. Boots was born on July 4, 1932. It is the most fitting of birthdates as she was as bright and festive as the fireworks. Margaret lived the past 40 years at her Camelot on Lake Shore Road. Harry E. lived with her until his untimely death in 2002. Together they formed an ideal coin.

The home on Lake Shore was beautiful. Visitors and guests were always warmly welcomed. It was very apparent Boots loved being in her home. In their early years, Boots and Harry would take a walk down to the beach to relax or take a dip. Boots loved being around water. She enjoyed swimming, boating and tennis.

Although Christmas was special to her, the July 4th holiday was her favorite. Boots absolutely loved the July 4th holiday. Being able to observe the fireworks from her backyard was a highlight for her each and every year. She enjoyed cooking for that day.

However, her culinary skills and acumen were used each and every day of the year. A holiday was not required.

Boots’s skills were not limited to Italian cuisine. Among her specialties were Goulash, Boots’ Ribs, the family secret Italian sauce and any salad imaginable. She was equally excellent at baking pies and making cucidati cookies. Boots’s apple pies were without equal. Her grandson (Michael of Golden Co.) fondly remembers learning to cook, bake pies and root for the Bills. All skills he learned from his grandmother.

Boots spent a great deal of time with her nephew, Michael Cowan. As a young boy, Michael fondly remembers the “cracker pot” (AKA Crock Pot) dinners that Aunt Boots would prepare.

Really Margaret could accomplish just about anything in the kitchen and around the home in general.

Boots was also an accomplished sewer/seamstress. She made clothes for her sister, Roz and her children (Linda and Debbie) along with other outstanding items.

Boots was an avid reader. She shared her love of reading with her daughters at an early age by walking to a local library. Of course, her view of the lake provided a soothing backdrop while reading, working or simply relaxing.

The Thanksgiving season and Christmas seasons were also special to her. On Black Friday, Margaret AKA “Little Grandma” would take her grandchildren (Jill and Michael) on a quick Black Friday shopping excursion. Actually, the post shopping breakfast was probably the highlight. They were usually home by 9:00 am

Unfortunately, the holidays marked perhaps the saddest time in Margaret’s life. On December 6, 1988, her second daughter passed away. Debbie was a juvenile diabetic. Throughout Debbie’s 32 year stay on earth, Boots provided the love and care only a mother could give. Margaret pushed forward. She was resilient and survived an earlier bout of breast cancer. She always hid her pain with a smile.

There is no way to measure the depth of Boot’s loyalty to the Buffalo Bills. She and Harry were long time holders of season tickets. As much as she enjoyed watching the game in person, tailgating was probably her favorite part of activities. Her culinary skills were put to use for the pregame and post-game activities. Her tailgating friends were fortunate to have Boots in their circle. It was fun to watch a game with her. If a close call went against the Bills, Boots firmly believed the game was fixed against the Bills.

Boots stayed very current with news surrounding the Bills. She followed the Bills news throughout the year. Boots was an informal reporter for out-of-town friends and fellow Bills fans.

She also enjoyed skiing at her beloved Holiday Valley. Boots formed countless lifelong friends during her time in Ellicottville, NY. She loved that village. Her skiing family enjoyed a very special hill on which to rest and relax. Of course, libations flowed freely.

Boots was an extremely hard worker. She worked well into her 80s. It was not difficult for her to keep busy. She cared for and maintained her home well into her 80s.

Boots had countless friends in her adult life. At the risk omitting a name, her friends included John and the late Anna Chiavetta, Bev Marie & family, Sharon, Careen, The Kelly girls, the Wolf family, the late Susie Gilmour and cousin Renee Deyden (Furl) of Arizona.

Margaret was able to stay in her home until her death. This was made possible by a number of people. Mary Jo was her dear friend of 30+ years. They were the best of buddies! Mary Jo and Boots spent countless hours together over the years. It is difficult to describe the depth and nature of their friendship.

Boots’s granddaughter (Jill Marie) provided love and support with meals on wheels. Jill lavished her grandmother with beautiful flowers for her birthday and special occasions throughout the year. Jill and her husband Matt made sure to visit GG (Great Grandmother) for her birthdays. Margaret was able to meet and see her great grandsons even though they lived in Maryland. Boots’ nephew, Micheal Cowan and his wife Karen, also honored his aunt with flowers, and phone calls.

The caregivers that came into Margaret’s life are Melissa, Linda G, Dana and Mercedes. Each of these ladies had a special relationship with Margaret and adapted to her habits. The ladies carried on with grace. They have been a blessing.

Debbie’s husband, Bob Dillinger, has remained a part of Boot’s life and and family. He visited Boots on a weekly basis and often brought treats for Boots and the caregivers. Through the years, Bob would often take Boots to Dr. appointments and accompany her to lunch. We are appreciative of Bob’s presence in mom’s life.

We are grateful to the neighbors, nurses, doctors, social workers and Hospice professionals for their care and compassion. Melissa Juliano of Lake Shore primary has been dedicated to mom for the past 10 years. Dr. Ryan was a favorite of Margaret. He treated mom as though she was his own mother!

A Thank You is also extended to the Lake Shore Fire department and Hamburg Police for the care given to mom.

Finally, Boots’ surviving daughter, Linda and her husband, Peter provided a level of care that is impossible to quantify.

Mom, please give Debbie as special hug. Dance your favorite dance with Harry. Rest in Peace. You have earned it.

When you think of my mom remember “It’s 5’oclock Somewhere”.

Vola con gli angeli and Buona Notte

Mom would be honored if you could make a small donation to any of the following organizations or a charity of your choice.

Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Co. Inc.4591 Lakeshore Rd.

Hamburg, NY 14075

Mercy Flight 100 Amherst Villa Road Buffalo, NY 14225

St. Jude’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

It was Margaret's wish that we would post her obituary posthumously.