Obituary of Margaret J. Moonan

Margaret Josephine Moonan, 91, left her earthly home on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Her final moments were just as she lived her whole life, surrounded by her loving family, singing over her and praying, and storytelling as always. Margaret was born in Kingston, NY on July 28, 1933, the daughter of the late Ward Warren and Margaret O'Connor Ingalsbe. Margaret graduated from Danville High School in 1950 and received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Keuka College in 1954 where she was described by friends as “Marg, funny and sincere, the gal with the infectious laugh,” which is how we will remember her always. While at Keuka, Margaret completed internships at a school for the blind in Boston, at the NY State School for the Deaf, and in social work at Simmons University. She also competed on the crew rowing team, and served as Senior Class Faculty Advisor. Following college, she accepted a position in the Rome City School District at Bell Road Elementary School as a Second-Grade teacher. After her children were grown, Margaret worked at Jervis Public Library and the Mohawk Valley Family Services in Rome for several years. Always very active, Margaret loved skiing, tennis, swimming and waterskiing. Margaret was an avid reader and book club member. She passionately loved music and was a life-long contributor and supporter of the Arts. 
 
Everyone who knew Margaret understood her undying love for her husband William J. Moonan of Boonville, NY, who preceded her in death in June 1994. Margaret and Bill were wed in April 1956 and began their legacy of true partnership in faith and family. There was no doubt that her purpose in life was to share her immense love with all of her family and friends, and to thoughtfully serve her neighbors and community. Margaret had an extraordinary gift of making everyone feel how important they were to her. There are no words to express the love and devotion that she inspired in her family of seven children, nineteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Additionally, she cherished the sweet, shared affection of her brother and sister, the late Ward W. Ingalsbe Jr., and the late Eleanor F. Lytle. Margaret was also preceded in death by her much-adored son Thomas J. Moonan of Rome. Margaret loved and appreciated her vast extended family including her beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Surviving are her daughters Carolyn (Paul) Destito of Hobe Sound, FL, Diane (Edward) Taverni of Oswego, NY, Mary (Martin) Crandall of Bemus Point, NY, and sons William (Wendy) Moonan III of Old Saybrook, CT, David (Alison Eldredge) Moonan of Ghent, NY, and Brian (Pamela) Moonan of Rome.

We, the family, are grateful for the dedication and quality care of the staff at The Terrace at Woodland, Rome and The Masonic Care Community of NY, Utica.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 16^th at 12:00 p.m., at St.  Paul’s Church, 1807 Bedford St., Rome, NY 13440. Family and friends are invited to call at the church prior to mass from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Cemetery Rd. Boonville, NY 13309. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Margaret’s memory to the Masonic Care Community, 2150 Bleecker St., Utica NY 13501.

 Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome NY 13440.