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Margaret Mary Keating

December 28, 1945 - March 18, 2020

Text:

Obituary For Margaret Mary Keating

Margaret (Margi) Keating of Wake Forest, North Carolina, passed away with her family at her side after a short battle with cancer. Margi was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and advocate for the least among us. She is survived by her husband Denis of 37 years, her children Kathleen and Michael, daughter-in-law Christine, and three grandchildren.

Margi was born in New York City to the late John Raphael Brennan and Catherine Joan (Dolan) Brennan. She graduated from Academy of Mt. St. Ursula High School in the Bronx. Margi earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the College of New Rochelle and a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Michigan.

Margi’s life and faith were the embodiment of Jesus’ call to ”love one another.” As a teenager, Margi volunteered for many different causes. Her favorite project was working with the elderly at St. Patrick’s Home in the Bronx. After graduate school, Margi joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to Malaybalay, Philippines, where she taught math to both high school and college students.

After Margi’s Peace Corps service, she moved to Washington D.C. and worked for the Federal Reserve Board until her retirement in June 2003. It is fitting that Margi and Denis met one another as they prepared and served dinner to the homeless at Christ House in Alexandria, Virginia.

Throughout her single and married life, Margi was always involved in volunteer projects in the Washington, D.C. area, Charlottesville, Virginia, and after she and Denis moved to North Carolina in 2012, she wasted no time in living out her faith. She initiated Sacred Heart Cathedral's "Justice for Immigrants” program to educate the parish about the circumstances confronting migrants and refugees, to encounter them as children of God, and to live in solidarity with them. She studied a wide range of issues related to the ministry. She conducted numerous parish workshops and communicated widely on ways to advocate for immigrants and their families. Margi also tutored immigrants studying for their United States citizenship exam at El Centro para Familias Hispanas. She also volunteered her essential computer skills to support the Sacred Heart Cathedral’s “Door Ministry” which provides financial assistance to families facing housing evictions.

Margi was intensely devoted to her family. She formed lifelong friendships, imparted wisdom and always showed unconditional love. Like her mother, Margi loved the outdoors. She enjoyed camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, bird watching, and long dog walks with her family. She will be greatly missed.

May our dear Margi rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Catholic Relief Services PO Box 17090, Baltimore MD 21297-0303.

Services

24 Sep

Mass

11:00 AM

St. Catherine of Siena 520 W Holding Ave Wake Forest , NC 27587 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • September 07, 2020

    It was such a pleasure getting to know Margi in Spanish class with Profesora Paulina Rodriguez-Ortega. Sometimes, Margi, Marietjie and I would have lunch together after class. Margi's inherent decency, her love for family, and her commitment to social justice were obvious . She truly walked the walk. Sending condolences to Denis and to her children and the rest of the family. What a special woman and what a tremendous loss. May you find peace during this difficult time.

  • September 01, 2020

    Margi loved researching her Irish lineage and I cannot help but think that her strong sense of justice was seeded in that heritage. She came to offer help with data entry at the Cathedral Door Ministry shortly after she and Denis joined the parish. It became quickly evident in conversation that I was the lucky one to be graced with her gifts--her love of the Catholic faith and its social teachings; an adventurous spirit lived out in her young life experience in the Peace Corps; her complete commitment to Justice for Immigrants advocacy that began when they lived in Virginia; and her ever-constant sunny disposition that she shared even as we would mutually bemoan the political life of America and the dire straits of the poor. With no time to waste, there was a lot of work for her to do to make this world a better place and she approached every justice issue with the same professionalism that she must have exercised when she worked for the federal government. Her love and care for our world family was a reflection of her love and care for her own. She was liquid sunshine with a heart of gold and I am so fortunate to have been her friend. Vaya con Dios, mi amiga.

  • September 01, 2020

    I only knew Margi for a couple of months but she left an indelible impression. Fittingly, I first met her at a Del Webb Community Outreach meeting. She readily volunteered to help out where she was needed. I also saw Margi at our book club. She was a willing participant and and a joy to have in our club. Through those short encounters her kindness and caring ways were evident. I wish that I had more time to know her, as I am sure that we would have become good friends. My sincere condolences go out to Denis and her family. May she rest in peace and her willingness to help others continue through those who knew her. Martha Emmons

  • September 01, 2020

    It was such a shock to hear of Margi's passing. She and I worked closely for much of our 30 years at the Board. She was such a kind and caring person. The first half our careers at the Board consisted of a small group of statistical personnel in a large data processing division. This was a fun time. Meetings and lunches with the "team" were great. One of Margi's finest characteristics was always seeing the best in others. Mary Jane and I occasionally shared meals together with Margi and Denis - always a joy Margi's passing is just difficult to ponder. She will be greatly missed. Our heart goes out to ,Denis Michael, Kathleen and their families.

  • September 01, 2020

    Margi was a dear friend throughout our years of working at "the Fed." I have fond memories of lunches with her in the cafeteria. We continued our friendship when she and Denis and my husband and I all retired to Charlottesville. Carol Lash

  • September 01, 2020

    Margie was a truly amazing soul. She brought much healing and joy to this world. I remember how happy my family was when Margie and Dennis moved in next door bringing with them two new playmates to the neighborhood, Kathleen and Michael. We spent many happy hours visiting and sharing a meal in each others homes. Dennis, Kathleen, and Michael I feel such deep sorrow for your loss, and hope that you are surrounded by love and light during the difficult days ahead. Christa Malone

  • September 01, 2020

    Denis, I am so sorry to hear that Margaret passed away. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Roscoe and the family. I pray that God comforts you and gives you the peace that surpasses all understanding.

  • September 01, 2020

    Margi was one of the most inspirational souls I have known. I was blessed to call her friend for over 50 years. So many happy memories-a special Thanksgiving dinner in Pittsburgh, when we met Denis, the love of her life. Trips to Park Fairfax and Charlottesville to visit. Distance and time did not diminish the friendship. Her love of family and steadfast faith were ever evident. The world was a better, kinder place, because of Margi. We will miss you, dear friend, and our thoughts and prayers are with your beloved Denis, Kathleen, Michael and Christie, and your beautiful grandchildren. Mary McCluskey

  • September 01, 2020

    Margi was a beautiful soul. She and Dennis lived across the street from my parents for many years, and they were wonderful neighbours. Their home was always full of love. When I finished grad school and started my career, Margi, who worked in a nearby building in Washington, DC, , would invite me to have lunch together, so we could catch up from time to time. We have lost a wonderful friend, and I will miss her. My heart goes out to Dennis, Mike, Kathleen and their families. Tina Malone

  • September 01, 2020

    Dear Margi, you were such a wonderful and compassionate lady. I have so many great memories of the years that we were housemates in Park Fairfax. I still remember the rose bush I brought down from my Dad's garden in Pittsburgh and you finally took it out of my car trunk, after some delay, and planted it. It actually survived! We enjoyed many trips to Yonkers and Pittsburgh and you were loved so dearly by my family. Missing your wedding was one of the saddest days of my life but also joyous for you and Denis. We met for lunch several times before and after we retired. We shared lots of laughter and tears. I still can't believe you are gone, Margi. I miss you something awful. Lots of love to Denis, Kathleen, Michael and Christi and your grandchildren, and to all the lives you touched throughout your life. Ann

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