Obituary of Margaret H Lanahan
Margaret “Peggy” H. Lanahan, award-winning artist and resident of Skidaway Island, Georgia moved on from this life on September 22, 2024. Peggy was born on October 2, 1941 in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Growing up in Bloomfield, Peggy worked at her father’s sign company with her mother and siblings. Working at the sign shop sparked her love for the arts, as she frequently attended sign shows and drove the company’s pickup truck for supplies and deliveries. Throughout her time at Bloomfield High School, she excelled in art classes. Peggy attended the Newark School of Fine Arts and married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Thomas D. Lanahan.
Peggy maintained the household, including chasing four children, while Tom taught middle school science before establishing his own insurance agency. Running a successful financial services firm led to many travels and moves for the family. Peggy often reminded the family that challenges were part of “life experiences.” Peggy embraced all the challenges and experiences, from sailing to skiing to running 5ks and 10Ks to seeing the country and the world.
The family moved many times, from New Jersey to Indiana, back to New Jersey and then to Long Island, back to New Jersey, and finally Georgia. Through the years, Peggy kept up her art, trying different mediums, but pastel painting was her passion. In 2012, Tom retired and they relocated to The Landings on Skidaway Island, Georgia, for the warmer climate and golf.
Peggy golfed, learned the meaning of “Bless Your Heart”, and continued to paint while learning the meaning of an AFM. With the start of the pandemic, Tom’s Parkinson’s Disease progressed, and Peggy was diagnosed with appendix cancer. Peggy was devoted to Tom until he passed, and she never stopped fighting her cancer while continuing to paint and spend time with her cherished friends and family. No matter how she was feeling, when asked how she was doing, Peggy always responded, “I’m fine.”
Peggy will be remembered for her family. In her next life, she joins her high school sweetheart and soulmate Tom, leaving behind their devoted children and grandchildren: Kevin (Megan) and grandchildren Erin, Chris, Timmy, and Danny; John (Claudine) and grandchildren Emily, Cate, and Michael; Colleen (Bill) and grandchildren Kelli Anne and Ryan; and her son Thomas Sean (Peg) and grandchildren Jack, Molly, and Patrick. Peggy is also survived by her brother William O’Donnell, Jr. (Stephanie) and her sisters Mildren Greenler (Michael) and Kathleen O’Donnell. She is predeceased by her infant daughter Margaret Mary.
“My life is what it is because of the love and encouragement of Tom and my children and grandchildren. I know everyone says it, but mine are the best!” Peggy said many times.
Donations in Peggy’s name may be made to Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406 or to your local non-profit hospice, and to The Lanahan – Gecawich Scholarship at the University of Scranton, 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510.
A memorial service will be held at the Landings Harbor Marina, The Landings, Skidaway, GA on October 5th from 5pm-7pm.
A private interment will be held at The Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ. A memorial Mass will be held at Mary Mother of God Church in Hillsborough, NJ on December 7th.
