Margaret Mahaney

 Margaret “Peggy” (Gaeler) Mahaney, age 98, of Sparta, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025, at her beloved cottage on Round Lake just two weeks after her birthday. In her last moments, she was surrounded by the joyful laughter of her beloved great-grandchildren, Savannah and Sonny Savage, and Ada and Anna. She felt the loving hugs and kisses of her cherished granddaughters, twins Allison Savage (Marcus) and Elizabeth (Justin), as well as Alexandria Stalzer. By her side, whispering words of love, were her daughters, Jill S. Mahaney and Mimi Mahaney Stalzer (Pete), along with her daughter-in-law, Catherine Prindle Mahaney (Jeff). Peggy was the middle daughter of Roy and Caroline Gaeler. She was preceded in death by her beloved sisters, Marie O’Neal and Carolyn Cooley, as well as her former husband, Richard E. Mahaney. She deeply mourned the loss of her sons, Richard (Rick) Roy Mahaney, who passed in 2005, and Jeffery Neal Mahaney, in 2024. Peggy leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, joy, and resilience. She was passionate about supporting children of all ages, championing women’s equality, and promoting lifelong learning. She also delighted in the simple pleasures like savoring a well-crafted bourbon Manhattan. In her early 40s, Peggy returned to college, earning a bachelor’s degree and Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University, along with both specialist and master’s degrees from Michigan State University. Peggy lived by the motto, “I am a teacher. It’s not what I do, but who I am.” (unknown). She cherished summers at the cottage and spent her winters enthusiastically cheering often quite loudly for Tom Izzo and the MSU Spartans from her favorite chair. It is easy to imagine the team could hear her spirited coaching through the television. Peggy will be deeply missed by many nieces and nephews, including Patty and Gary Harrington, Pam O’Neal, Terry O’Neal, and the Meconis family. A memorial service in her honor will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids. The family will greet guests following the service from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the church’s social hall.  A special thank you to Jean Hawley for her love and care, and to Chrystian, RN and all the staff at Hospice of Michigan for all their support. Donations in Peggy’s memory can be made to Fountain Street Church or Mel Trotter Ministries.