Margaret Mary, "Peggy" Feeney, 87, beloved wife of the late William C. Feeney, passed away peacefully at the Woburn Rehabilitation & Nursing Center on February 22, 2024. She was constantly surrounded by her loving family and friends on her last days. Peggy was born in 1936 in Church Street, Dunmore, County Galway, Ireland, daughter of the late James and Nellie (Conway) Murphy. She was the oldest of 12 children.
In pursuit of focusing on moving to the States with the hope of building a new life, Peggy emigrated to Boston in 1954 at the age of 18. She was sponsored by her Uncle John Conway and her three aunts Mary, Sarah, and Nellie Conway as well as her Aunt Molly Schneider, and settled in Brookline. Peggy quickly got involved with the Irish culture in the Boston area, making many lifelong friendships. She welcomed many of her brothers and sisters over the years, as she led a strong and hardworking life.
Peggy worked with family in Brookline and eventually made her way to Winchester where she worked at the Finest Grocery Store, before having her family. In 1956, one Saturday evening, while at an Irish Dance at Hibernian Hall with friends and some of her brothers, Peggy met Bill Feeney. The two shared their love of dancing and socializing. They married 3 years later in 1959 and settled in Woburn. Bill and Peg went on to become proud parents of four children, and the exultant grandparents of seven children. The couple put all four of their children through college, something that was very important to them. Peggy and Bill enjoyed many trips and cruises to the Caribbean Islands, family visits back home to Ireland, and especially looked forward to their time at the family cottage in New Hampshire as well as their Winter home in Florida. They spent many summers camping on Cape Cod with family and friends. Peggy loved listening and dancing to Irish music. A woman of great faith, Peggy was a parishioner of St. Barbara`s Church. For many years she and Bill helped to organize the St. Patrick`s Day dance at the church. The couple was married for 52 years.
Nothing made Peggy happier than being with her family, always welcoming brothers and sisters and their families for Sunday dinners and holidays, as well as nieces and nephews from Ireland for summer fun. Peg was an especially proud grandmother, "Nana," always beaming whenever she was in the company of her grandchildren, whether it be a school play, a sporting event or just a Saturday visit as the grandchildren got old enough to drive to visit her.
Peggy worked for the Woburn Public Schools for over 20 years, working her way up to the Kitchen Manager, at the Reeves Elementary School. She was known to give children an extra ice cream if they asked and would even help families in need with a First Holy Communion gift. Her nickname with the children was "Mrs. Lunch lady." Peggy was hard working, determined and dedicated to her job, while also making many lifelong friends. These women were known as the "Kitchen Canaries."
In addition to her late husband Bill, Peggy is sadly predeceased by her sister Eileen Murphy, brothers, Richard and Oliver Murphy.
Peggy is survived by her devoted children, William G. Feeney and his wife Paula of Foxboro, Patricia A. Robinson of Woburn, Kevin B. Feeney and Kelly of Woburn, Brian J. Feeney and his partner Darleen Cantelo of Woburn. She was the loving Nana of Liam, Joseph, and Lillian, Miranda and Brett, Finn and Margaret. Cherished sister of Patrick Murphy of Quincy, Michael Murphy of Co. Galway, Sean Murphy of Co. Limerick, Joseph Murphy of Co. Galway, Gabriel Murphy of Weymouth, Donald Murphy of Co. Limerick, Patricia Kelly of Co. Carlow, and Mary Killeen of Melrose. She is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Funeral from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Friday, March 1st, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Barbara Church, 138 Cambridge Rd., Woburn, at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home will be held on Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Peggy's memory to the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn, Charles Gardner Lane, Woburn, MA 01801.
For those wishing, the Funeral Mass will be streamed live at www.woburncatholic.org