Margaret Mary Mars

Margaret Mary (Healey) Mars passed the way she lived her life, with grace, strength and dignity on Thursday, November 11, 2021. She is predeceased by her parents Jim and Margaret Healey, loving husband of 40 years Joe Mars, beloved Uncle Tom Healey, Brothers-in-laws Bill Porter, Jack Parrill and Bill Goss and Sister-In-Law Anne Marie Goss. She is survived by her devoted children Joe (Lorri) Mars and Amy (Bob) Gross; the joys of her life, grandchildren Robert Cherundolo, Maggie and Bobby Gross; incredibly supportive siblings Jim (Joan) Healey, Linda Porter, Ellen Parrill, Janet (Chip) Chamberland, and many wonderful nieces and nephews; Jamie, Danny, Erin, Rebecca, Eric, Jennifer, Sean, Kate, Michael and her great niece, and nephews. She also leaves behind Macali cousins Kathleen, Carol Anne, Maureen and their families; Nemeyer cousins Laurie, Peg, Tim, and their families.

Peg grew up in South Glens Falls, New York. She attended St. Mary's Academy in Glens Falls and Oneonta State Teachers College which led her to an over 25 year career teaching in the Vestal and Union Endicott School districts touching the lives of hundreds of children. One of her greatest joys was seeing the spark in a child's eye when he or she realized they could read. She would say that it was at that moment, their world was opened to them.

In retirement, Peg treasured her time traveling and seeking new adventures with her husband Joe. Later in life Peg cherished her time surrounding herself with family and an extremely close group of wonderful friends including "the Rums Crew". Peg always said, "Friends are not family, they are chosen and I chose well." She was an avid reader and found joy tending to her garden that she fondly referred to as "My Eden". She loved her Westies with all her heart, especially her sweet dog Chloe, her beloved companion until her final days.

Peg was a loyal member of The Church of the Holy Family in Endwell, NY and a strong supporter of Mercy House. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Mercy House and her special caregivers Hospice nurse Marie, and health care aide Carleta.

Peg may have been petite in stature, but she was fierce in so many aspects of her life. She stated her beliefs and opinions passionately and stood by them with conviction. She was loyal to her friends and loved her family with every fiber of her being.

A Funeral Mass will be offered Friday November 19, 2021 at 6:00 PM at The Church of the Holy Family 3600 Phyllis St. Endwell, NY. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 4:00 until 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to either Lourdes Hospice 4102 Vestal Rd. Vestal, NY 13850 or Mercy House 212 N. McKinley Ave. Endicott, NY 13760.