Margaret M. Gibney

Margaret Maura (Houk) Gibney, known to her friends and family as “Peggy”, passed away peacefully in her home on Garver Lake, Edwardsburg, Michigan, on the morning of August 12th, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Agnes Houk, who adopted Peggy when she was 4 months old. This act of love shown to Peggy by her parents was reciprocated as Peggy and John cared for James and Agnes in their home on the lake until their passing of natural causes.

Peggy grew up in South Bend, IN and attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Grade School, St. Joseph’s High School and was an accomplished swimmer throughout most of her teenage years. Upon graduation, Peggy attended Ball State University earning a degree in Special Education.

She met the love of her life, John Gibney, in April of 1976 and they were married on June 28th, 1980. Peggy and John raised a family of 3 children whom she loved dearly and nurtured throughout their childhood and adult years. Peggy was blessed with 8 grandchildren who brightened her days and brought her great joy. She was the best Grammy and “Mimi” that they could ever had asked for always giving the best hugs and cuddles.

For the the last 14 years, Peggy and John lived at their dream home on Garver Lake where she surrounded herself and home with beautiful plants, flowers, family, and the most wonderful group of friends. Many afternoons were spent floating on the lake, cruising around on the pontoon boat, and sunset kayak trips with John.

She was always smiling, happy, and upbeat. Never a complainer, one would never have known from her positive attitude that she was battling cancer. Peggy was blessed to be moved home to not only be in the care of Hospice, but also in the loving care of both of her daughters who are nurses. Always the motherly figure, she reassured and comforted her family and friends by offering beautiful smiles and the always strong and powerful squeeze of a hand. Peggy passed peacefully and calm in the light and love of her family. She will be missed dearly.

Peggy is survived by her husband John Gibney, daughters; Libbie Gibney and Sarah (Anthony) Panzica, both of South Bend, IN., son Andrew (Lindsay) Gibney of Elkhart, IN, brothers; Phillip (Lynda) Houk of Fort Wayne, IN. and Thomas Houk of San Diego, CA., sister-in-law Jennifer Houk, grandchildren; Oliver, Harper, Scarlett, Dylan, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Nathan, and Alana, and nieces and nephews; AJ, Tori, Nick, Griffin, Natalie and Maggie who offered tremendous support and love to Peggy.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Pat Houk.

Visitation starts Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 4 p.m., with a funeral service taking place at 5:30 p.m. Following the service, visitation will resume until 7 p.m., all at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, enter off Cherry Rd.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Edwardsburg Food Pantry.