Obituary for Margaret Maher "Peggy" Rafferty
MARGARET “PEGGY” MAHER RAFFERTY
December 1, 1928 – February 25, 2023
Bradenton, FL formerly Highland Falls, NY
Margaret “Peggy” Maher Rafferty was born on December 1, 1928 at her grandmother’s home in Highland Falls, NY. She entered eternal rest on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
Peggy was the third of seven children of Albert and Grace Downsbrough Maher. She was a graduate of Highland Falls High School where she won awards for her athletic talent. She worked as “telephone operator 38” until she found her true vocation - raising a large family.
Peggy came home from work one day to be told she was going on a date with the mailman. She was not happy to have her own mother making a date for her. She married the mailman, William “Bill” Rafferty, on April 20, 1952. They raised eight children at their home “on the top of Brown’s Hill”. The large backyard was a gathering place for the north end children to grow up playing games, sports and feeling the special warmth of Peggy’s coaching and officiating.
During her time living in Highland Falls, Peggy was very active at Sacred Heart Church, and was an organizer for many events for the Catholic Daughter’s. Many enjoyed Peggy’s organizational skills and comedy skits. She also coached Ponytail Softball as girls’ sports were very important to her.
In 1992, Peggy and Bill retired to Bradenton, Florida and took up residence in an active adult community. Again, they became very engaged in the community and for many years the community and their church benefitted from Peggy’s skill set.
She is survived by her sons: Thom (Margie) of Farmington, NY, Marty (Tamberly) of Wallkill, NY, Terry (Beth) of Newburgh, NY and Matt of Highland Falls, NY; daughters: Mary of Colorado Springs, CO and Patty (Bob) Krom of Grahamsville, NY; grandchildren: Christian, Laura, Colleen, Amanda, Eileen, Megan, Liam, Trevor, Reagan, Brian, Emerald, Heather, Andrew, TJ, and Glen; great grandchildren: Colin, Greta, Margot, Carmen, Rylan, Mason, Brendan, Greg, Zach, Auggie, Adelina, Atlas, Melody, Arizona, James, Jay, Jacoby, and Jasper. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Peggy was predeceased by her loving husband, her parents, sisters: Eleanor DiCesare, Grace Monahan, Shirley Haggard, Mary Jane Kukurender, and brothers: Albert Maher, Jr. and Stephen Maher. She was also predeceased by sons: Edward and James.
A Funeral Mass will be offered at Sacred Heart Church, 353 Main Street, Highland Falls, NY on April 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., with Father Mike Palazzo officiating. Peggy’s final resting place will be next to her beloved husband at Eagle Valley Cemetery, Rt 9W, Highland Falls, NY.
To honor her memory, please do something today to make someone smile. She would love that!
Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc.; to send condolences, please go to www.Quigleybros.com
December 1, 1928 – February 25, 2023
Bradenton, FL formerly Highland Falls, NY
Margaret “Peggy” Maher Rafferty was born on December 1, 1928 at her grandmother’s home in Highland Falls, NY. She entered eternal rest on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
Peggy was the third of seven children of Albert and Grace Downsbrough Maher. She was a graduate of Highland Falls High School where she won awards for her athletic talent. She worked as “telephone operator 38” until she found her true vocation - raising a large family.
Peggy came home from work one day to be told she was going on a date with the mailman. She was not happy to have her own mother making a date for her. She married the mailman, William “Bill” Rafferty, on April 20, 1952. They raised eight children at their home “on the top of Brown’s Hill”. The large backyard was a gathering place for the north end children to grow up playing games, sports and feeling the special warmth of Peggy’s coaching and officiating.
During her time living in Highland Falls, Peggy was very active at Sacred Heart Church, and was an organizer for many events for the Catholic Daughter’s. Many enjoyed Peggy’s organizational skills and comedy skits. She also coached Ponytail Softball as girls’ sports were very important to her.
In 1992, Peggy and Bill retired to Bradenton, Florida and took up residence in an active adult community. Again, they became very engaged in the community and for many years the community and their church benefitted from Peggy’s skill set.
She is survived by her sons: Thom (Margie) of Farmington, NY, Marty (Tamberly) of Wallkill, NY, Terry (Beth) of Newburgh, NY and Matt of Highland Falls, NY; daughters: Mary of Colorado Springs, CO and Patty (Bob) Krom of Grahamsville, NY; grandchildren: Christian, Laura, Colleen, Amanda, Eileen, Megan, Liam, Trevor, Reagan, Brian, Emerald, Heather, Andrew, TJ, and Glen; great grandchildren: Colin, Greta, Margot, Carmen, Rylan, Mason, Brendan, Greg, Zach, Auggie, Adelina, Atlas, Melody, Arizona, James, Jay, Jacoby, and Jasper. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Peggy was predeceased by her loving husband, her parents, sisters: Eleanor DiCesare, Grace Monahan, Shirley Haggard, Mary Jane Kukurender, and brothers: Albert Maher, Jr. and Stephen Maher. She was also predeceased by sons: Edward and James.
A Funeral Mass will be offered at Sacred Heart Church, 353 Main Street, Highland Falls, NY on April 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., with Father Mike Palazzo officiating. Peggy’s final resting place will be next to her beloved husband at Eagle Valley Cemetery, Rt 9W, Highland Falls, NY.
To honor her memory, please do something today to make someone smile. She would love that!
Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc.; to send condolences, please go to www.Quigleybros.com