MARGARET MULLERY Margaret Mullery, n‚e Kennedy, died in her home in McKinleyville, California on November 23, 2016 surrounded by family, caregivers and her cherished cat, Sherlock. Known to many as Peg, Margaret was born on May 5, 1920 in Chenango Forks, NY, the youngest of five children, to Zelah Raplee Kennedy and James Frederick Kennedy. She attended Binghamton High School then moved to Philadelphia where she raised her three children, Charles, Meg, and Colleen. Margaret worked at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Lansdowne, PA as a clinic secretary. She enjoyed her co-workers, many becoming life-long friends, and greeting patients with her genuine warmth. After retirement, she started a second career as a secretary for the borough of East Lansdowne - a borough she loved and continued to support through annual contributions to its July 4th parade. She finally fully retired at the age of 80. Margaret was a joyful person who loved a party, dancing when she was able, often until last call. Her sense of humor was with her till the end. She loved the holidays, decorating her home beautifully for Christmas and hosting many memorable holiday dinners. Margaret and friends could always be spotted in an Irish Pub on St. Patrick's Day and she spent every New Year's Day watching the Philadelphia Mummers Parade with a pot of soup on the stove to serve anyone who might drop by. Margaret spent many summers 'down the shore' with her family. She loved the beach, strolling the boardwalk, sampling Copper Kettle Fudge, and admiring the gingerbread houses of Cape May, New Jersey. Margaret was a caring woman who always had time to listen and share sage advice. She was a gifted writer who penned lovely letters that kept her in contact with dear friends across the country. Many have saved her letters over the years, too beautifully written to toss. Margaret loved all animals, and over the years provided a doting home for many dogs, cats and birds. She had a very special bond with her parrot BeBe and pomeranian Dancer, both of whom preceded her in death. After moving to Humboldt County she delighted in seeing cows pasturing alongside Hwy 101. One of her favorite pieces of art was a painting brushed by Bill the Chimpanzee of the Sequoia Zoo. Margaret so enjoyed gardening. Her lush porch boxes and hanging pots bursting with ferns and flowers were the envy of the neighborhood. She delighted in her knock-out roses and flowering shrubs. Margaret was also an avid reader, starting the day with the New York Times and ending it with a book, biographies being a favorite. Another favorite past-time was watching movies with her son - Westerns a particular favorite. Margaret was predeceased by her parents, James and Zelah Kennedy, her two sisters, Irene Gillette Kennedy and Anna Mae Kennedy, her two brothers, Harry Kennedy and Claude Kennedy, and her close friend Kitty Foley. She is survived by her son Charles and her two daughters, Meg and Colleen, her son-in-law Bob Frye, her extended family, Kathleen and Greg Frye-Rose, Kimberly and Daniel Washabaugh, and Mark and Mindy Frye-Guadagnoli, and many dear friends including Katherine Dillinger, Mary Ann Dalessandro, Andy Braid, Joseph and Kathy Fee, and Eleanore and Michael Saunders. The family is especially grateful to Hospice of Humboldt for the loving care provided Margaret during the last weeks of her life, with special thanks to Molly, Adriana, Francine, Lauren, Allison, Robert and Aisha. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to an emergency medical fund for shelter animals that Margaret supported: Friends for Life EMF, 980 Lycoming Ave., McKinleyville, CA, 95519 or consider following Margaret's example and write a letter to a friend. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com