Margaret Mahoney

Peggy (Margaret Frances) Mahoney née Hamill

January12,1935-September 14, 2024

Peggy was born in Brooklyn of immigrant parents whose family legacy was fighting for Irish independence from the 1840s. Smart and eager to excel, Peggy worked hard and won a scholarship to Bishop McDonald Memorial High School. Later, when her children were launched, she returned to school and was awarded a BA from St Joseph College and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University. She was a Senior Case Worker for Suffolk County Child Protection Services where she helped countless children and families. Working as an Editorial Assistant at McGraw Hill Publishing in late 1950's NYC, she stole the heart of a confirmed bachelor, Jack Mahoney, an Engineer, Editor, and Writer. Peggy led Jack on a merry chase and finally, under an ancient bridge in Rome, accepted his proposal of marriage. They adored each other and her earlier position at KLM, the Dutch national airline, offered the opportunity to travel the world, honeymooning in Hong Kong and Japan. After Jack died at an early age from cancer, Peggy's strength of character and grit enabled her to rebuild her life though he was gone. She enjoyed the company of others, playing tennis, card games, book club, investment club, going to the Opera, membership in the Irish Repertory Theatre, being a docent at Seatuk Nature Preserve, and countless other fun and meaningful activities. Peggy was always up for an outing or party! Surviving are her children Bob, John, Nora & Sheila, grandchildren Shannon and husband Ian Eccleston, Colin Mahoney, Cara & Jack Jewels, daughters in law Kim McCann and Doreen Moran, sisters Pat Mirr & Anne Del Gaudio and the late Marie Patalkis.

Services will be held on Saturday September 21, 2024, at Overton Funeral Home, 172 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751, from 1-6 PM, and internment on Monday September 23 at Calverton National Cemetery, Wading River, NY, at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Peggy's favorite charities, Gerald Ryan Outreach of Wyandanch NY, www.geraldryanoutreachofwyandance.org/donate.