Margaret M. Hart

Albany, NY-It is with a profound sense of gratitude and love that we remember Margaret Hart, who passed away peacefully on the eve of her 89th birthday surrounded by family on November 26, 2024, in Albany, New York. Born on November 27, 1935 to Paul Sullivan and Eleanor McAdory in Potsdam, New York, Margaret's life was a tapestry woven with kindness, intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to education and family. She grew up in beautiful Upstate New York with her four beloved siblings— Al, Helen, Paul Pat, and John who she was predeceased by. She was an active child with an ardent reading habit. Margaret’s career as a first-grade teacher at School 16 in the Albany Public School System was marked by her exceptional dedication and genuine passion for shaping young minds. She never tired of helping six-year-olds learn to read and write. She found it invigorating. Her fellow teachers affectionately called her 'Mother Margaret’ because of her sage advice and helping hand. She earned an advanced degree while raising four kids and taught until the age of seventy. Her contributions even continued as a volunteer in reading rooms post-retirement. Although, teaching was her gift— Margaret’s greatest role was being the matriarch of the Hart family. All four of her children decided to return and settle back in Albany to be close to her. Margaret’s family gatherings were legendary, best expressed through St. Patrick's Day scavenger hunts that were as clever as she was. She also hosted regular book clubs for her eleven grandchildren where they all were tasked with giving elaborate book reports in her attic. These club meetings were comically referred to as CIA meetings AKA Chimps in the Attic. Her Mac&Cheese was famous at these events and caused wars between the grandchildren over who would get the biggest helping. Margaret enjoyed various summer vacations to the Adirondacks and the Outerbanks with her almost twenty-person brood. She also made her way to Europe various times and even the Vatican to see the Pope. Margaret thrived in social settings, from lively engagements with fellow teachers at BEFF’s and Lanie’s and later, vibrant gatherings in her Avila retirement community, embodying the spirit of a true social butterfly. She was also an active parishioner at the church of Mater Christi. Margaret's character was reminiscent of staunch and powerful women like Katherine Hepburn; she was stoic, well-spoken, and had a knack for delivering humor and insights with just a gesture or witty one-liner. Her family could rely on her to be their rock no matter what the situation. She was absolutely unflappable and masterful with her insights when you needed them the most. She is survived by her children, Mary Ellen Kavanaugh (Joe), James Hart (Lena), Helen Squillace (John), and Margo Palmer (Mike) along with her eleven grandchildren— Katie Waller (Patrick), Nicholas Awad (Marina), Tyler Gilbert-Kavanaugh, Marcus Hart, Nolan Hart, Miranda Hart, John Patrick Squillace, Natalie Squillace , Mikaela Palmer, Jake Palmer, and Luke Palmer. She is also survived by her three great grandchildren— William Waller, Violet Waller, and Oliver Kavanaugh whose lives are a testament to her unconditional love and guidance. Margaret's life will be honored at a visitation on Monday, December 2, 2024 at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206 from 3 pm to 6 pm. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Her Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 9:30am at the Parish of Mater Christi, 40 Hopewell Street (Rev. Kenneth J. Doyle Way), Albany, NY 12208. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery immediately following the Funeral Mass. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Her legacy of love, humor, and intellect endures through her family, friends, and community. As we reflect on her life, William Kennedy's words come to mind: “It's quite uncanny what one sets in motion by being oneself.” Margaret's authentic spirit set in motion a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.

Tributes

Margaret M. Hart

November 27, 1935 - November 26, 2024