Margaret Nolan Cunnane

Margaret Nolan Cunnane, beloved wife of the late John J. Cunnane, died peacefully on January 4th at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Finvarra, County Clare, Ireland to the late John and Bridget (Maloney) Nolan and moved to Connecticut in 1956.

She is survived by her daughter Dr. Eileen Kirschbaum and her husband Dr. Ronald Kirschbaum of Suffield, Connecticut and their three children Connor, Brendan and Caitlin, as well as her daughter Deirdre Cunnane, Esq. of Boston, MA. She was predeceased by her husband John, daughter Mary, son John, sister Maureen Nolan, and brothers James and Dan Nolan. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, both in the United States and Ireland, as well as countless friends near and far.

Margaret's positive outlook and unmatched optimism were hallmarks of her giving personality. She had a golden heart and was always looking to find the good in others. She made everyone see a brighter side and was cherished by those who knew her. Margaret's love was infectious and widespread. She was quick with a smile and had the knack for sending a heartfelt note of encouragement. Margaret was happiest when she was helping others and lived every day with a sense of purpose. As a breast cancer survivor, she volunteered at St. Francis Hospital to inspire women who were facing a recent diagnosis. Those she encountered felt seen, understood, and loved by her. She shared her gifts of fierce strength, wisdom and confidence with her family and friends, helping them to find their way forward. She was also known for her sly sense of humor and pranks on family and friends.

Margaret moved to Bloomfield, CT in 1959, where she still resided in the same house her husband built for her. She was proud of the home she made for her family and strived to make everyone feel welcome, hosting many happy gatherings for family and friends. Her home was always open for friends to stop by for a cup of tea and a scone or a piece of apple pie. Margaret loved gardening in her yard and looked forward to going to the Farmers' Market each Spring for their huge selection of flowers. She also enjoyed being a member of the Bloomfield Town & Country Garden Club.

She loved Bloomfield and was involved in the town in many capacities. She was a member of the Board of Education, minority leader of the Town Council, and member of the Wintonbury Golf Course and Police Department building committees. She was also a Justice of the Peace and enjoyed marrying couples, often making them wedding cakes. She once climbed Talcott Mountain on Christmas Eve in the snow to perform a ceremony.

Margaret was very skilled at all types of crafts. She was an accomplished knitter and generously gave her time over the past twenty years to teach others who were like family at the Bloomfield Senior Center. It gave her great joy. She knitted countless sweaters, booties, hats and blankets for her family and friends. During the pandemic, she sewed over a thousand masks for nursing homes, friends, and neighbors. She was also an accomplished baker, making beautifully decorated cakes and confections over the years.

Margaret had a strong Christian faith and was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Church in Bloomfield where she served in many capacities including as a member of the Parish Council, President of the Tabernacle, and a member of the Book Club. She was also a member of The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association and never consumed alcoholic beverages during her lifetime. Luckily, she did not need a drink to have fun.

Margaret received her bachelor's and master's degrees and her 6th Year Certificate in Education Administration from the University of Connecticut. Education was especially important to her, having completed high school at the age of twelve. Margaret was intellectually curious and inquisitive about the world around her and was not afraid to share her opinions. She found her calling as a teacher and taught at Bulkeley High School in Hartford, CT for 22 years, where she made many lifelong friends. She was often a surrogate mother to her students, who loved her and stayed connected with her over the years, which delighted her. She loved the energy and optimism of youth and was deeply satisfied by helping her students thrive. She always tried to keep up with the trends of the younger generation and was an active user of social media. She was an avid fan of the UCONN Women's Basketball team and hosted gatherings to watch the games at her house for many years.

Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial January 20, 2024, at 11:00am at Sacred Heart Church, 26 Wintonbury Ave., Bloomfield, CT. Her family will receive friends and relatives at a reception following Mass in Father Picher Hall at the Church. Burial will take place privately at a later date. The Carmon Windsor Funeral Home is caring for the arrangements. www.carmonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of donations or flowers, please remember Margaret by living each day to the fullest, extending kindness to others and offering love wherever you can.