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Margaret Catherine Moran, 71, died Tuesday, July 12, 2022, in Vero Beach, FL. She was born July 20, 1950, in Brooklyn, NY, and was the daughter of the late John F. and Margaret Mohr Moran. She spent the first 19 years of her life in the Greenpoint area of Brooklyn, living down the block from her much-loved Silbert cousins. She graduated from St. Albert High School, then attended the Programming & Systems Institute, learning the early IBM systems. Her first job was as a computer proofreader at the Alexander Hamilton Institute in Manhattan.
In 1969 she relocated upstate with her parents to Summitville, NY, and began a 12-year career at the Ellenville National Bank, starting as a teller, moving to Commercial Loans and later to the platform, opening accounts and assisting customers. She eventually moved to the computer operations department, running nightly batch jobs.
During this, she was an active member of the Mamakating Volunteer First Aid Squad, responding to emergency call-outs, teaching first aid and CPR classes, becoming certified as an Emergency Medical Technician, and later as an EMT instructor. She also mentored the junior first aid squad.
In 1981 she was hired by IBM into their computer operations department, first at the main plant on the South Road in Poughkeepsie, NY and later at Myers Corners Road in Wappingers Falls, NY. She moved back to the main plant to work in function testing and quality assurance, until her retirement in 2013.
In 1992 she and Vivian bought their first home, near Kingston, NY, which gave her the opportunity to spend as much time as possible with two of her most favorite people, Tim and Amy. She loved watching them grow from babies to the amazing adults they are now. In 2014 she and Vivian moved to Vero Beach, FL to help Vivian’s dad and to get away from the NY winters. She spent almost 8 very happy years in their new home, swimming in the pool from April to December and enjoying a quiet life supporting animal rescues. She loved to create handmade greeting cards which she sent to the special people in her life. For the past several years she pursued a passion for painting in oils and acrylics, taking virtual classes during the pandemic and creating lovely works of art for family and friends.
Margaret is survived by her partner of 45 years, Vivian Piper, as well as her beloved aunt, Catherine Silbert of Franklin, NJ, and cousins, Gary (Marilyn), Karen (Doug), and Donna, all of NJ; Karen’s children Don and Kat, and Kat’s daughter, Kylie. She is also survived by cousin Elise Moran Francois of Summitville and her children Devin and Abrial. She is further survived by her beloved nephew and niece, Tim Horton of CA and Amy Horton of WI; June and Bob Horton of VT; Patrick and Kathy Piper of NY; and Andrew and Froukje Piper of OR, along with her two newest nephews, Rowin and Arow Piper. She leaves behind several very special friends who brought great joy to her life. She is reunited with her parents and all of the many cats and dogs she loved during her lifetime. Beckett, Oreo, and Topaz, she will see you again one day.
Memorial donations in Margaret’s name may be made to UCSPCA, 20 Wiedy Rd., Kingston, NY 12401 (https://www.ucspca.org) or to For the Love of Paws, 12198 County Road 512, Fellsmere, FL 32948 (https://pawsmealsonwheels.org)
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Janet Ellsworth - Friend
July 13, 2022, 9:10 pm
I knew Margaret at IBM. She was such a lovely person, and had the best office with all of its toys and gadgets. She was great as her job as a tester, finding problems and helping us ensure they were fixed, but always doing it with a smile on her face. My kids loved visiting her office when they were little. She always had great tie-dyed shirts – and actually tie-dyed EVERYTHING! A wonderful woman and she and Vivian were such a great couple. My heart breaks to hear this news.
Don and Janelle Dedrick - friend
July 13, 2022, 10:10 pm
Margaret was a special person, true friend and wonderful mentor at IBM. She was always the person you could go to for assistance and she willingly helped. Those of us at IBM will always remember those delicious meatballs she brought to our pot lucks! Since retirement, her thoughtful ways were shown in her original birthday/holidays cards. We will miss you, Margaret! Our sympathies go to you, Vivian.
Laura Lucas - Friend
July 14, 2022, 12:49 pm
I had the pleasure of painting with Margaret, online during the pandemic and in person. She put so much passion into her paintings and I know they will be a treasure for her family and friends. Vivian and Margaret were a wonderful couple and I wish Vivian all my sympathy and peace at this time. Margaret was a constant cheerleader for our small business, Dabble In Color. Even when she wasn’t able to join the class, she always commented on how great the other painters did, encouraging us all. I’m thankful Margaret would send me photos of her work so that I can be inspired by her talent, her kindness and her inspiration. I will miss you Margaret.
Linda Edmunds - Friend
July 14, 2022, 6:36 pm
Margaret was a great, caring, loving person. Her love for animals was demonstrated with all she did for them. Loved all of the paintings she shared with us on Facebook. She was a talented painter. We mourn your passing and will miss you. Heaven has one more special angel. Sending love and prayers to Vivian as she goes through this loss of a very special person. ❤️
Stephen Cerini - Friend
July 14, 2022, 6:58 pm
Vivian, My heart goes out to you and my prayers. Margaret was such a lovely person, as you are. I feel so blessed to have had you both in my life. If there is anything I can do, you need only ask. I’m glad you had the time together that you have, and I hope Margaret was able to fulfill her retirement dreams. My thoughts are with you.
Bill Edmunds - Friend
July 14, 2022, 7:41 pm
We have known Margaret for around 25 years and a kinder, gentler soul I have never meant. She was always more concerned with others (family, friends, animals, etc) than herself. Spending time with her and Vivian, whether in Kingston NY or Vero Beach FL, was always such a special time for Linda and I. Receiving the hand-made cards from you both, at those memorable times in our lives, was so special to us…that you always remembered those times and sent a beautiful card. I can not imagine a world without Margaret in it. Not seeing any more of her paintings…it is so very sad. Vivian, may the Lord wrap his arms around you and help you through this most devastating time. The memories of Margaret will never leave those left behind and will live in our hearts forever.
Richard Hover - Friend
July 14, 2022, 10:25 pm
I am so very sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing – I worked with Margaret at Myers Corners road and again in Poughkeepsie – She was always so much fun to work with, and her colorful tie-dye shirts were ever present! I still have the one she gave me as a gift. Margaret also provided me with my first ‘business card’, when she found out I like to photograph trains, she made a whimsical image of an old time photographer and steam train and put it on a business card to me to hand out to people. She was such a giving person, I consider myself lucky to have known her, and was able to call her ‘friend’ for many years. My heart and thoughts go out to Vivian, and all of Margaret’s family…. She will be missed…..
Mary Eileen Duffley
July 15, 2022, 12:30 am
Dear Vivian, I’m so sorry for your loss. Such heartbreak but in time those tears will turn to smiles as you remember all the wonderful times you had. You never get over the loss but you learn to navigate it. Sending you my deepest sympathy, love and hugs. Love Leen ❤️
Lissa Vallettta - Friend
July 15, 2022, 1:07 pm
Margaret was a special friend. I worked with her for many years at IBM in Poughkeepsie. Not only was she a talented and dedicated worker, but one of the kindest most giving people I know. Always a smile for everyone. Her tie-dyed shirts brightened up the office. We could not have a picnic without her meatballs. Heaven has added a special angel. Vivian, I am so sorry for you loss.
Randy and Steve - Friend
July 16, 2022, 12:05 pm
Dear Vivian, It always brought us joy to receive the beautiful homemade cards each season and holiday. I will always remember Margaret for her smile whenever we met. She had a kind and generous spirit. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian Croswell - Friend
July 18, 2022, 4:45 pm
I am sorry to hear that Margaret has passed. She was full of life, had a great way of talking with her friends and co-workers. She was always there for her IBM team members giving great suggestions with work and non-work activities. I know that she will be missed by Vivian and her many friends and family.
Vivian Piper - Partner
July 20, 2022, 3:18 pm
Happy Birthday in Heaven. I miss you so much. ❤️
Stephen & Marcene Stewart-Hill - Friend
July 26, 2022, 5:13 pm
We just recently learned that Margaret passed away, and our hearts were saddened. Margaret was such a kind and generous person to everyone she met. Margaret had many friends at IBM. She was a dedicated worker, but she also made working at IBM fun! Her office was always open for a sweet treat or just to chat. If anyone brought their kids to work, the children always knew Margaret, and they had fun playing in her office with all of her unique toys. Margaret was also famous for her crockpot meatballs at potluck lunches. We will always remember Margaret fondly for her unique tie-dye style, her friendly chuckle, and her constant smile! Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Margaret’s family and friends.
jack weiser - Friend
July 27, 2022, 4:21 pm
Rest in Peace, Margaret. Blessings from your friends at the Mamakating Historical Society and Jack and Bob.
Vivian Piper - Partner
September 6, 2022, 8:49 pm
It’s eight weeks today. How is that possible? I miss you every minute of every day. I’m taking good care of the babies.
David Ciferri - Colleague
January 16, 2023, 1:15 am
Please forgive the lateness of this tribute, as I just now came across the obituary. I met Margaret forty years ago in IBM and had the pleasure of working with her in Operations. She was a kind and generous colleague and very conscientious in every job she undertook. I’m very sorry to learn of her passing. Godspeed to her, and God bless her loved ones.
Vivian Piper - Partner
November 23, 2023, 9:42 pm
Missing you. Happy Thanksgiving ❤️
Vivian Piper - Partner
March 7, 2024, 2:10 am
We received big news today. I think it would be okay with you. Today is also Beck’s 12th Gotcha Day. We all miss you so much. ❤️
Vivian Piper - Partner
July 12, 2024, 7:17 pm
Miss you. Love you. Listening to your favorite playlist. It still feels like yesterday.