Margaret McNally

WESTPORT - Margaret Joan Michaud McNally of Westport, MA died on April 9th at the age of 88. She died after struggling for many years with Alzheimer's. Her husband, children and grandchildren were at her bedside.

Margaret was known as Margie. She was born and grew up in Fall River, Massachusetts and like all of her peers, she was a child of the Great Depression. Margie graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Fall River and then went to Lesley University in Cambridge. Upon graduation, she became a teacher to 4th grade students in Wayland, MA and she taught for many years including as a substitute teacher in Somerset, MA.

Margie's parents were Margaret Perry Michaud and Sylvester Michaud. She was predeceased by her daughter Margaret (Meg), who passed away in 1992, as well as her brothers John and Robert (Bobby) Michaud.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Richard (Rick), her daughter Sarah (and her husband Ira) and her sons Brendan (and his wife Jennifer Rashleigh) and Peter (and his fiancé Susan). Rick and Margie have 6 grandchildren: Maggie Conway, Hannah Lipton, Ian Rashleigh McNally, Cede Rashleigh McNally, Caitlin McNally and Grace McNally. They have one great grandson, Harbor Conway.

Margie and Rick were among the founders of Harbor Incorporated, a nonprofit organization devoted to the needs of adults with disabilities ranging from autism to the most severe physical handicaps. There was no disability so debilitating that that individual was not welcome at Harbor, Inc. – no one would be turned away. The creation of Harbor was one of Margie's greatest life achievements. The organization, now called LifeStream, has helped many thousands of disabled adults providing them with every kind of personal care, workplace assistance, and dignified housing. Harbor, Inc. was an innovative human services-care model created following the demise of state run "mental institutions" in the 1970's. Once Harbor, Inc. was built and running, Margie served on its board of directors for many years. Meg was among Harbor's first residents and she lived there until her passing.

Margie and Rick sailed extensively though Margie was a fair weather sailor. As such, she always felt at peace following a day's sail anchored safely in the harbor – any harbor. This was the origin of Harbor Inc.'s original name – it was to be a place of peace and safety for its residents.

Margie was a loving wife and mother. She dedicated her life to her family and helped raise her six grandchildren. Her family is most grateful for the care Margie received from the healthcare professionals and caregivers who are truly angels on earth.

A private memorial ceremony will be held in late Spring. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Margie's name to LifeStream, Inc. PO Box 50487, New Bedford, MA 02745 or Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.