- Date Of Birth: December 28, 1942
- Date Of Death: May 19, 2008
- State: Indiana
Mary Margaret Meagher, born Dec. 28, 1942, to Francis and Mary (Lyons) Kane of Addison, N.Y., was a lifelong believer in the importance of communication and enjoying life in the face of adversity.
As a Young Democrat, she worked on John Kennedy’s presidential campaign and shared his belief that one can see what is and ask why or can see what could be and ask why not. Mary sought change and improved circumstances for countless friends and strangers who needed a voice.
She received her Bachelor of Science in speech therapy from Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y., and would later be named as one of the first honored alumni. Illustrating her dedication, she earned her Master of Science in speech pathology from SUNY Geneseo and became a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association and a life member of the Indiana Speech Language and Hearing Association.
Mary treasured her work as speech pathologist for ADEC, Healthwin Hospital and Elkhart Community Schools because she enriched people’s lives.
Mary married Gary M. Meagher, of Irondequoit, N.Y., in 1965 at her home parish, St. Catherine’s, and resided in Rochester, where she enjoyed family and lifelong friends. After moving to Elkhart, Ind., she joined the Jayshees (the Jaycees wives’ organization) and chaired a project that produced the Easy Menu Cookbook, a groundbreaking resource for mentally challenged adults beginning an independent life. It received national recognition and a commendation from then President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.
In 1973 Mary began her next quest, to improve life for cancer patients and their families. She volunteered extensively with the recreational therapy department of Children’s Memorial Hospital, teaching crafts, games and academic skills, and was a founding member of Children’s Oncology Services Inc., a cooperative group of families and physicians who, with the help of Da Bears and the Chicago McDonald’s, organized and developed the Children’s Memorial Ronald McDonald House. The Meaghers participated in a national publicity program that resulted in McDonald houses all around the country.
Recently Mary shared her zest for cooking as an independent consultant for The Pampered Chef and was active in their charity, fighting hunger through the Second Harvest Program. Though limited by personal health challenges, she was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, volunteered for Soup for Success, and recently served as a judge for the Brown Mackie Speech Contest.
She has been a member of St. Thomas the Apostle parish since moving to Elkhart in 1976. Her family wishes to thank the many members and friends who touched her life and gave her the courage to face cancer as her son Brendan did, with dignity, hope and promise.
She is survived by four children, Michaela, Sean, Maureen and Patricia; five grandchildren, Katy, Sean, Michael, Joseph and Nicholas; a daughter-in-law, Tanya; her mother, Mary Margaret Kane; and 10 brothers and sisters, Tom (Carole) Kane, Fran (Bev) Kane, Anne (Jeff) Konzet, John (Brenda) Kane, Jim (Camille) Kane, Bridget Burke, Gerard Kane, Pat Kane, Katie (Stan) Barringer and Teresa (Todd) Daniel.
She was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, Gary M. Meagher; her son, Brendan; father, Francis Kane; and in-laws, Jim Meagher, Marie Meagher, Dick Meagher, Kathy Meagher, Anne (Lee) Kane and Joe “Banjo” Burke.
Mary believed life should be celebrated and planned a ceili for her friends and family.
