Mary Margaret Henshaw

In Memory of Mary Margaret O’Neill Henshaw 1935 - 2025 Mary Margaret “Peggy” O’Neill Henshaw, 90, passed away peacefully on November 28th, 2025. Peggy was born on September 6, 1935, in New York City to Daniel and Catherine (Early) O’Neill. Peggy grew up in Riverdale, NY in a close-knit Irish Catholic family with her beloved siblings Daniel and Kathleen (Flynn). A lifelong learner, Peggy graduated from the College of Mount Saint Vincent - where she formed cherished, lifelong friendships - and later earned a master’s degree in education from Manhattan College. Her passion for teaching led her to pursue further graduate degrees at Fordham University. She began her career in New York City public schools but ultimately found her true vocation as a Catholic school educator where she could combine her deep faith and passion for education. Peggy and Ray knew each other growing up in their Riverdale neighborhood but had no idea at the time that they would connect as young adults and create their legacy - their family. They were married in August of 1958 and celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary before Ray’s passing in 2016. They raised their family in Yonkers and Sleepy Hollow where they served their parish communities, balanced busy careers, and raised seven children – truly their greatest blessing. Peggy taught at St. Paul the Apostle School in Yonkers and St. Theresa School in Briarcliff Manor before becoming Principal of Transfiguration School in Tarrytown, a role that proved to be her life’s calling. For twenty years, she served the parish and school communities with devotion and vision, leading her faculty and staff in their dedication to educate children in the Catholic faith. She took tremendous pride in strengthening both the academic and spiritual life of the school, as well as overseeing meaningful improvements to its facilities. Even in retirement, Peggy remained deeply engaged, volunteering in her residential community as President of the Fox Hill Condominium Board for fourteen years. In their retirement, Peggy and Ray traveled widely, enjoying cruises around the world, yet they always remained steadfastly centered on family. Nothing brought a brighter sparkle to Peggy’s blue eyes than gathering with her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren, who affectionately knew her as “Pegs.” Pegs was endlessly proud of her grandchildren, whose lives and accomplishments brought her immeasurable joy. Pegs’ home was the heart of the family - whether hosting a full house for Sunday dinner or sharing a quiet cup of tea, her home was a place of warmth and comfort to all that gathered. Mary Margaret Henshaw is survived by her seven children: Raymond (Sandra), Christopher (Heidi), Paul (Gina), Thomas (Arleen), Catherine (Paul), Margaret, Mary Beth (Adam); thirteen grandchildren: Megan, Jack, Paul, Miles, William, Matthew (Megan), and Michael Henshaw; Paul, Christine and Kelly Padalino; Grace and Aidan John, Danielle McDonald(Michael); two great-grandchildren: Ian and Isabella McDonald, and many cherished nieces and nephews. The family invites relatives and friends to attend services to celebrate Peggy’s life. Visitation will be at Dwyer & Michael’s Funeral Home in Tarrytown on Friday, December 5, 4:30 – 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 10:30 AM at Transfiguration Church in Tarrytown, followed by the Rite of Committal at St. Augustine’s Cemetery in Ossining. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate

Mary Margaret Henshaw

September 6, 1935 - November 28, 2025