Margaret Ann "Peggy" McMahon, 1946-2014

MCMAHON, HURLEY, FERRING

Posted By: cheryl moonen (email)
Date: 2/26/2015 at 12:32:36

Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Margaret Ann "Peggy" McMahon, 67, of Dubuque, passed away at 9:35 a.m., Monday, April 7, 2014, at Ennoble Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by her family and friends. Peggy was Ennoble's longest resident (33 years) as she faithfully, courageously and gracefully lived with multiple sclerosis.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 2001 St. Joseph Street, with Monsignor Wayne A. Ressler officiating. To celebrate Peggy's life, friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Farley, Iowa. Behr Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Peggy was born on Oct. 29, 1946, in Farley, daughter of Helen (Hurley) and E.J. McMahon. She attended grade school at St. Joseph's in Farley and was a graduate of the Academy of the Visitation, class of 1964. Peggy was an accomplished pianist and had planned on majoring in music at Clarke College, but at the age of 16, the symptoms of MS became apparent.

Peggy's greatest accomplishment was that she showed all of those with whom she came in contact how to appreciate life's blessings and how to face much lesser challenges. She bravely accepted the hand she was dealt, and her strong faith helped her make the best of her physical limitations. She never complained, and she never said a bad word about anyone. She always had a smile on her face, a twinkle in her eyes and she cared much more about others than herself.

Peggy was an example of true faith. She led the rosary daily and was a leader of Ennoble's Catholic residents. She called the Ennoble residents and staff her family and they considered her a part of their's. The morning of her death, staff and fellow residents shed many a tear. As one staff member said, "She was the most grace-filled person I have ever met. She always thanked you for the smallest thing you did for her."

Peggy is survived by her sister, Jane (Bob) Ferring; brother, J. Patrick (Roberta) McMahon; nieces and nephews; and her loyal special friend, Chuck Rooney, who faithfully visited her every day. She also is survived by those who have been proud to call her cousin and friend.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Larry McMahon.

Memorials may be given to the Hurley-McNeill Scholarship Fund at Clarke University or Hospice of Dubuque.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com

The family of Peggy McMahon would like to thank the wonderful Ennoble staff for your many years of care and friendship. They also would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their care and support.