Margaret Eleanor Kinney

Margaret (Peggie) Kneeland Kinney was the kind of person who knew how to do things well. Her long-held wish was to die peacefully in the Sacramento home where she lived for 63 years, and she did so, on January 20, 2022.

Peggie was born in Sacramento on June 30, 1923 to Marie Cary Davis Kneeland and Harry Eugene Kneeland. She was proud of being a fourth-generation Californian; her great-grandfather John Henry Kneeland had migrated from Maine to Sacramento in 1852.

She met her husband, John J. Kinney, during WWII. He was stationed in Sacramento prior to shipping out to the South Pacific, and she was volunteering at the Zonta Club where they met at a dance. They were married on September 11, 1946 and made Sacramento their home until his death in 1990.

Peggie worked for the State of California from about 1950 to 1961 and later from 1969 to 1980. She ended her career as Executive Assistant to the Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. She was a key resource for Governors Pat Brown, Ronald Reagan, and Jerry Brown. She told wonderful anecdotes about the decidedly different office protocols between Ronald Reagan, who would not allow women to wear pants to work in the Governor’s Office, and Jerry Brown, who didn’t worry a lot about dress codes. She loved her job and, in today’s world might have been the Director instead of the Executive Assistant.

From 1961 to 1969, Peggie took time off to be a Mom and a community supporter. She was a Den Mother and a Girl Scout leader, drove the car pool to school and the sports teams to games, worked on fund raisers for various causes, volunteered at the school her children attended, and made beautiful fabric art which was sold to raise money to support the school. In the community, she volunteered as an election worker, played on a bowling league, and stepped up whenever there was a need. She also took care of her mother, who lived with Peggie and John most of their married life until her death in 1988.

After her retirement, Peggie enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her young grandchildren, and pursuing her many interests. She loved animals, having pets throughout her life, and she opened her home to many stray dogs and cats. She was a life-long learner who remained curious and interested in reading and gaining knowledge. She was proud of joining Facebook and learning to use a smart phone at age 90. She entertained often throughout her life, with theme dinner parties being a favorite, but any excuse for a party would do. She enjoyed playing bridge, and was a talented crafter who made beautiful needlework, knitted garments, and afghans.

She and John made a cherished trip to Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and Tahiti, visiting relatives and retracing some of John’s wartime experiences. After his death in 1990 she continued to travel, visiting friends and family across the country and in Europe. She volunteered with the American Cancer Society and the Widowed Person’s Association of California for many years. She was a good friend to her neighbors who, in turn, were always there for her.

Peggie was preceded in death by her husband, John J. Kinney, and her son-in-law, Steve Sherman. She is survived by her son Michael Kinney (Deborah), daughter Kathleen Kinney, grandchildren Cristina Kinney and Brian Kinney (Brekke), great-granddaughter Keely Meadows, nieces Peggie Skaggs and Pat Staflin and many great-nieces and nephews.

There will be no service at this time. Peggie will be laid to rest with her husband and mother on February 11, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in Calvary Cemetery, 7101 Verner Avenue, Citrus Heights. All who wish to are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Sacramento SPCA, the Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.