Margaret A. McKinney

Margaret “Peggy” Anne McKinney, 88, of Viera, passed quietly on December 15, 2017. McKinney is survived by her four children – John, Jr., Deb, Chuck, and Rob, eight grandchildren – Lauren, Kristina, Jacqueline, Patrick, Andrew, Christopher, Caroline, and Parker, great granddaughter, Adeline, and two adoring dogs – Lance and Corey. She is also survived by an extended family that includes her sister Nancy, sister-in-law Ann, sister-in-law Marilyn, and each of their families. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, John, Sr., and parents, Charles and Madeline Leeds of Marlton, NJ.

Peggy graduated from Temple University in 1949 with a degree in nursing. She had a long career as a registered nurse in a variety of roles including neurological surgical scrub nurse, oncology, and school nurse. Of all the jobs she held, perhaps the one she loved the most was serving as the first mate on her father’s boat, The Madgel, fishing off the shores of Long Beach Island, NJ. Her love of patient care extended beyond her career by volunteering at local hospitals and nursing homes with her trusted service dog, Lance.

She combined her love of animals with her passion for knitting to support causes near to her heart such as the Cincinnati Zoo, Brevard County Sherriff’s Office K-9 Unit, as well as providing countless socks, sweaters, scarfs, and blankets for friends and family.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for all the loving care and support she received from Michelle Clouser, Tomica “Cookie” Martin, Michelle Foster, and the generous support of friends and neighbors. A life celebration service is scheduled on December 19, 2017 at 2pm at the Life Event Center at the Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge (www.floridamemorialfh-gardens.com). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cincinnati Zoo (https://cincinnatizoo.thankyou4caring.org/) or the Brevard County Sherriff’s Office K-9 Unit (http://www.brevardsheriff.com/home/commands-services/operational-services/k-9-unit/).