Obituary of Margaret A. O'Hara

Margaret A. O'Hara (Henry), 70, of Syracuse passed away peacefully October 30, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Peggy was born in Syracuse to Thomas and Dorothy Henry on April 23, 1947. She graduated from Cathedral High School and went on to study Foods and Nutrition at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, New Jersey. After graduation, Peggy ran Nutritional Services at Auburn Memorial Hospital. She met her loving husband, Charles, in 1970, and they were wed October 14, 1972, at St. Charles Borromeo in Westvale. Once children began appearing by the ones and twos, Peggy changed careers and became a self-proclaimed "domestic engineer", where she went on to raise seven children (eight if you include her husband). Peggy lived by her motto, "treat all people with kindness and respect", and demonstrated it by having served her community throughout her life. Notably, she was an advocate for people with special needs on the Committee for Special Education at Westhill School District and volunteered for over 35 years at Onondaga County Special Olympics. Peggy was a devout parishioner of St. Patrick Church in Syracuse where she volunteered her time at the food pantry. Peggy is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Chuck, of Syracuse and her seven children: Michael (Kate) of Charlotte, NC, Megan of Syracuse, NY, Maureen (Matt) of Burlington, VT, Matthew (Bridget) of Syracuse, NY, Molly of Syracuse, NY, Dr. Mark (Holly) of Philadelphia, PA, and M. Patrick (Colleen) of Syracuse, NY; her overly-spoiled grandchildren Brayden, Madison, Elouise, Emmett, Oscar, Liam, and Declan. She is also survived by her sister Barbara (Gerry) Stack of Syracuse, her cousin and dear friend Kathy Wrolsen of Fulton, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Peggy is pre-deceased by her parents, Thomas and Dorothy Henry, and her sisters Mary Patricia and Nance. Peggy's family wishes to thank Dr. Anthony Scalzo of Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY and his wonderful team at Brittonfield and Onondaga Hill, the compassionate nursing staff on the fourth floor south of Crouse Hospital and Hospice CNY for being patient, kind and comforting. The family would also like to thank all the many friends for their cards, letters, meals, and words of encouragement. Services: 10:00 am Saturday at St. Patrick Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt will be private. Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W Genesee St, Syracuse, NY. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Patrick Church Food Pantry or Hospice of Central New York. Peggy lived her life with a kindness and compassion that endeared her to those around her. She was generous with her time, spirit and home. She was an amazing spouse, mother and friend. While she will be deeply missed, her life lessons will continue for generations.