Obituary of Margaret A. Melanson

Margaret A.(Montone) Melanson, known as Peggy, passed into the arms of the Lord on November 16, 2017.                   
Peggy was born in Schenectady, N.Y. on February 22, 1945.  She was the beloved daughter of the late Rose and Stephen Montone and the late Joseph Kmonk.  She was educated in the Schenectady School system having graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in the class of 1963.  Peggy went on to the State University of N.Y. at Oswego where she earned her BS degree in Elementary Education.  She continued her studies for a master’s degree at the University of Albany.   She taught in the South Colonie school system in Veeder Elementary School and Lisha Kill Middle School for a total of 29 years. Peggy retired in June of 2000. Her next venture was to supervise student teachers for 10 years at the College of Saint Rose.
Peggy spent her retirement years along with her husband Deacon Michael being very active in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Glenville.  Through the years she taught religious education, was a presenter at Pre Cana with Mike, served on Parish council, served on the church renewal committee, taught in the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults program, served as chair of the Liturgy committee, was a lector and an Extraordinary  Minister of the Eucharist.
One highlight of Peggy’s spiritual life was the 15 years she spent preparing and presenting weekends for women with Sister Jean Kinney, Maureen Rowland and Helen Burke at the Dominican Spiritual Life Center in Niskayuna.  The team also presented at retreat houses in Miami and Virginia.
Supporting Mike as he studied for the role of Deacon in the Catholic Church was a fundamental part of their life together.  She supported him by attending classes, cheering him on as he earned his master’s degree, and enjoying the fruits of being a part of the Diaconal Community of the Albany Diocese.
Mike and Peggy spent many wonderful times touring the United States.  They particularly enjoyed their summer vacations with family members in Wildwood Crest, N.J.  Aruba was another annual vacation that Mike and Peggy enjoyed sharing with family and friends over the years. Recently, spending winter months in Florida was part of the vacation plans. Many fond memories were created in each place.  Peggy was definitely happiest when surrounded by family and friends.
A special tradition was the annual baking of the Christmas cookies.  Peggy loved teaching and baking with all the family.  She enjoyed giving trays of cookies to friends and family alike.
Surviving Peggy is her loving husband, Deacon Michael P. Melanson, her 3 wonderful sons, David (fiancée, Carolyn Morisi), Brian (wife-Alison) and Scott (fiancee, Stephanie Mirch).  She is also survived by 4 beautiful, loving grandchildren; Lauren Melanson and Lindsay, Sarah and James Melanson, Brian and Michael Maloney.  Additional survivors include her brother and sister-in- law, George and Marie Montone of Rotterdam, her sister and brother-in-law Patricia Montone and Bob Grossman of Bellevue, her sister-in-law Frances Lucier and the late Joseph Lucier of Lexington Kentucky as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her college roommate, Gail Timkey of Cary, N.C. and special prayer partner, Helen Burke of Scotia, NY and cousins Marlene Countermine and Barb Gentile.
Many thanks and loving thoughts go out to all her family and friends.  Many thanks to Rev. Jerome Gingras for his support during Peggy’s illness as well as the church community of the Immaculate Conception Church, Glenville and the Diaconate Community of Albany Diocese.
Calling Hours are Monday from 3 – 7 pm in the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Immaculate Conception Building Fund, 400 Saratoga Road, Glenville, NY 12302, OR  Joan Nicole Prince Home, 22 Glenview Drive, P.O. Box 2122, Scotia, N.Y. 12302-0122 OR The Dominican Retreat & Conference Center, 1945 Union Street, Niskayuna, N.Y. 12309
Friends and family are invited to join the parish community of Immaculate Conception Church on Rt. 50 in Glenville, as they receive Peggy’s body at 3pm, Monday, November 20. Peggy’s family will receive guests following the Rite of Reception until the Vigil Prayer of the church commences at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday morning, November 21, at 10 am at the church, followed by burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, in Schenectady NY.
Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com