Margaret Catherine Daly Luciano

VESTAL Margaret Catherine Daly Luciano, born on Jan. 2, 1928, passed away peacefully at Lourdes Hospital on Feb. 22, 2008. Margaret was predeceased by her beloved youngest child, Julie Angela on Feb. 27, 2003; her oldest son, Daniel Guy on Aug. 20, 2006; and her devoted, loving husband of 56 years, Guy Joseph on Aug. 25, 2007. She was also predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Angela Daly; and two brothers, James and Robert Daly, of Hudson Falls, N.Y.; and sisters-in-law, Minnie Luciano, Rose Luciano and Mary Luciano; and brothers-in-law, James Luciano and Willie Luciano. She is survived by six children: daughter, Catherine (Harasta) and her husband, Joseph, Mesquite, Texas; son, Robert and his wife, Radica, Atlanta, Ga.; daughter, Elizabeth (Russell) and her husband, Kevin, The Woodlands, Texas; daughter, Constance (Bryceland) and her husband, Charles, Albuquerque, N.M.; and sons, Charles and Thomas, Vestal. She was a loving grandmother to granddaughters, Lindsey and Valerie Harasta, Rekha Luciano, Stephanie Ferro and Lisa Russell; and grandson, Michael Ferro; and stepgrandsons, Michael and Stephen Russell. She is also survived by her brother, John Daly and his wife, Marie; and loving sisters-in-law, Gertrude Daly and Patricia Daly; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Margaret graduated with honors from Hudson Falls High School at age 15. She received her A.B. degree in mathematics, a degree in English from SUNY Albany in 1948 and her M.A. degree in counseling in 1954. She taught mathematics and science at Millbrook High School in Millbrook, N.Y., from 1948 to 1951. She later taught at Vestal High School for many years before taking a position at Broome Community College. She retired in 1991 after 15 years as an associate professor of mathematics and was named Professor Emeritus in 1996. Margaret was active as a volunteer for many charities, a co-founder of the Cinderella Softball League, a longtime member of the American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters. She was elected to the state and local committees of the Democratic Party and named a delegate for Jimmy Carter at the National Convention in 1980 and attended his inauguration. She was also a "First Responder" for President Bill Clinton and attended his first inauguration as well. She kept in close touch with her many very dear friends from her college years throughout her life. Margaret believed in giving time to the community and in being involved as a citizen. She loved teaching and encouraged her children and grandchildren to choose careers that would help others. She was a writer, a poet and a political activist, as well as a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend. Margaret was a communicant of St. Vincent de Paul's Church in Vestal. A memorial service will be held at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, 765 Main St., Vestal, N.Y. on Saturday, March 1, at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Margaret's name to Project PAW or an animal rescue or shelter of your choice.