Margaret O'Hara

Margaret E. (Peggy) O’Hara, age 87, formerly of Highland Falls, N.Y., passed away on May 27, 2017 at Abrazo Heart Hospital, Phoenix, after a short illness.

She was born Oct. 29, 1929 at Benedictine Hospital in Kingston, N.Y. She was the daughter of Wilfred and Margaret (Bush) Neff. She graduated from Kerhonkson High School and Cortland University in New York State. Peggy was an elementary school teacher in Long Island, N.Y., Cincinnati, Ohio and Fountain Hills.

Peggy is survived by her brothers, Wilfred H., David J. and Thomas A. Neff, and brother-in-law, Everett Joray. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Jean M. (fiancé John Nickerson), Jennifer Schatzel (Scott), Louis Neff (Melissa), Debra Warnke (Eric), Glenn, Gregg, Kathleen and Lynette Joray. Several great-nieces and nephews named Beverly and Quinton Warnke and Margaret and Michael Schatzel also survive.

She was predeceased by her sister, Maryellen Joray, and her nephew, Gary Joray. She was also predeceased by her husband, Kenneth O’Hara, and their beloved pet, Frosty.

Peggy was an early settler of Fountain Hills in 1977. She and Ken were instrumental in founding the Church of the Ascension, and the founding of the dog park and ADOG.

Peggy taught grade school in Fountain Hills for many years. She did the Meals on Wheels program for more than 25 years and was always available if someone couldn’t do their route for the day.

Peggy went to the dog park daily with her little black dog, Louisa, who didn’t mind very well and Peg got her exercise by chasing Louisa around the park. Louisa was her only companion after Ken died. Louisa misses her mom, but will be loved by friends at the dog park.

Peg was an avid reader and there were always books on the table or the floor. She was an exceptionally bright, kind and loving woman, who never had an unkind word for anyone.

She will be sorely missed by her friends and Louisa. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Church of The Ascension in Fountain Hills Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 10 a.m.