Margaret Mary Calnan (nee McKay), of Boynton Beach FL, formerly of South River, NJ, passed away peacefully in her home on August 27, 2024 surrounded by her family.  She was the lifelong love of the late Donald G Calnan, to whom she was married for almost 72 years.  She was also a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and great-aunt.  She was born on July 6, 1929, in Needham Heights, MA, to the late Patrick McKay and Helen Doran. She was predeceased in death by her three siblings.

Margaret was a strong proponent for higher education.  She enrolled in nursing school upon her graduation from high school, becoming a registered nurse. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science and Master of Art degree while attending night school. She served 25 years as a School Health Specialist in the South River, NJ, school district, making a significant impact on the lives of many students and their parents.

In addition to her impact in the schools, her extensive volunteerism extended to many organizations. Some of these organizations included the B.P.O.E. (Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks), the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the Foundation for the Blind, and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Upon their retirement, Margaret and Donald moved to Boynton Beach in 2004 and enjoyed this new chapter in their life.  They loved to travel, whether by train, plane, automobile, or cruise ship.  Their travels included North and South America, Europe, and Australia. When they weren't traveling, Margaret stayed active in her retirement community, loving water aerobics, Scrabble, Rummikub, bocce and the annual talent show.

Margaret is survived by her three daughters Eileen (Donald Jr.) Pierson, Sandra (William) Dillon, and Brenda (Joseph) Farkas and her two rescue dogs, Fiona, and Shamus.  Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren Heather (Stephen) Milek, Donald (Dana) Pierson III, Amanda Pierson, Commander Megan (Commander David - U.S.N.R) Piotrowski, Commander Christopher Farkas, Allison (Christopher) Kemsley, and Greg (Vanessa) Dillon, and 8 great-grandchildren.  In addition, she was dearly loved by her many nieces and nephews and their respective families.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to four special ladies- Asula, Daphne, Claire and Carol-for their exceptional care over the past few years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Saint Mark's Roman Catholic Church, Boynton Beach, at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be at the South Florida National Cemetery, where she will join her husband. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite animal charity in Margaret's memory.