Obituary of Margaret M. Kavanagh

Margaret M. Kavanagh, 76, formerly of Johnstown, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at Capstone Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Amsterdam, surrounded by her children.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, on February 4, 1943, she was the daughter of Terence and Ellen Kavanagh. At age 21, Margaret legally immigrated to the United States, entering the country through Washington, DC. Shortly after arriving, she met and married Marine SSgt. David R. Brownell, and welcomed four children. Margaret and David divorced in 1982.

Margaret spent much of her career in retail, believing in the importance of highly personalized customer service. She worked for years at several Gloversville department stores, and concluded her career after more than a decade at the Gloversville Sport Shop. Following her retirement, she served on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Fulton County, and Adirondack Mentoring Partners of Fulton County.

Margaret was the beloved Mother of Raymond (Marlene) Brownell of Glenville, David (Penny) Brownell of Johnstown, Sean Brownell of Ballston Lake, and Siobhan (David) Wood of Johnstown; cherished Grandmother of Daniel and Stephanie Brownell, Kyle and Emily Wood and Matthew, Carrie and Cassandra Brownell; beloved Sister to Ann (John) Shelley of Howth, Ireland; Mary (William) Ormsbee, Jean Dickson, Bernadette (Patrick) Hennessy, and Trisha Kavanagh (Tim Spicer), all of Dublin, Ireland.  She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Helena, and her brothers Terry, Patrick and John.                             

The family wishes to thank the outstanding nursing staffs at the Sentinel and Capstone for their compassionate and professional care of Margaret these past three years.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Wednesday, February 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Walrath and Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, and a prayer service will conclude the evening at 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Margaret’s memory to the United Way of Fulton County, 110-112 North Main Street, Gloversville, NY 12078.

Arrangements are entrusted to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home