Margaret "Maggie" Canning

Margaret Canning (née Reynolds), the 6th of 7 children, was born at home on April 11th, 1933 in Mohill County Leitrim, Ireland to Edward and Catherine Reynolds.  When she was just 20 years old, she set her sights on America and arrived in New York in 1953.

In the early years, Margaret worked at Pfizer where she and her good friends loved nothing more than to go dancing at the City Center Ballroom in Manhattan. One remarkable evening over waltz’s, two-steps, and a few Irish dances, she met the love of her life; Thomas Canning. They made a romantic connection that would last a lifetime.

 Margaret appeared on the CBS TV program “To Tell The Truth” in 1958, posing as an Irish Girl Guide.  Her convincing performance was enough to trick a few of the judges. 

Thomas and Margaret started their life together in Woodside, NY, welcoming bouncing baby Kathleen to the family. A move to Oceanside, Long Island, a few years later, also expanded the family to include Kevin and Thomas.  The family now complete moved back to Ireland.  After five years, they returned to New York and finally settled into Florida in 1976. A skilled athlete, Margaret enjoyed playing golf and going bowling.

For over 20 years, Margaret served as a Head Custodian at Pembroke Lakes Elementary.  Larger-than-life, teachers, students, and families so loved her that it wasn’t unusual for her to be stopped and greeted with smiles and hugs around town (much to the chagrin of her waiting family member). Throughout the district, Margaret was known for creating a welcoming environment.  Colleagues and visitors knew they could always find coffee, doughnuts, advice, or mentorship whenever they stopped by Her office.

Throughout her life, Margaret was known by many names, including Maggie, Maud, Margie, Mom, and Nana.  Regardless of the salutation, she greeted everyone with her big smile, infectious laugh, sparkling eyes, and lovely Irish temperament.

Margaret is survived by her loving husband of 64 years Tom Canning of Pembroke Pines, FL.  Her Children Kathleen Lane of Wilton, CT and Tom Canning of Pembroke Pines, FL.  Son-in-law Brian Lane, Daughter-in-law Lori Canning, Grandchildren: Aidan Lane, Liam Canning, Ronan Lane, Emmet Lane and Autumn Canning, and Granddaughters-in-law Jenni Lane (Fink), and Paula Canning (Jimenez).  Margaret was preceded in death by her son Kevin Canning, formerly of New York City.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks you make a donation in Margaret’s honor to the Alzheimer's Association (link here) so that one day we will hopefully have a cure for this heartbreaking disease.

Link: https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=789136