Alma Mahan
December 5, 1930—April 6, 2023
Cornwall, NY
It is with great sadness that the family of Alma Mahan announce her passing on April 6th, 2023 in Montgomery, New York.
The daughter of Bernard and Alma Gallagher, Alma was born on December 5, 1930. She grew up with 3 younger siblings Helen, Joe and Kay Gallagher in Highland Falls. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Highland Falls High School and Ladycliff Academy. To further her education, she went on to attend The Barbizon School of Fashion in New York City and Spencer School of Business in Newburgh. Shortly after graduation at Spencer’s Alma was hired as a secretary at West Point.
On June 6, 1953 Alma married James Bernard “Mickey” Mahan. As newlyweds, Alma and James moved to Cornwall. Alma was a Story Time reader for the Cornwall Public Library, a member of The League of Women Voters and a 50-year member of The Cornwall Garden Club. She was a court clerk at the Cornwall Town Hall for 5 years. She loved her time in Cornwall.
Alma was hired as a secretary at the United States Military Academy where she enjoyed her job and the various assignments she was chosen for. While working for the Office of the Engineers she was a member of the Woman’s Federal Program. Her two most notable assignments were as part of a team who helped plan and organize West Point’s sesquicentennial. Fifty years later she was asked to assist with their bicentennial celebration which she did enthusiastically.
Alma loved children, gardening, flowers and creating arrangements to decorate for the holidays. She delighted in taking trips to historic sites with her husband Mickey. Alma enjoyed the company of dogs and cats especially her beloved Pudgy and Gigi.
Alma was predeceased by her parents, her sister: Kay Rose, her brother-in-law: John Bosch and her sons: James and Mark Mahan.
She leaves behind her husband of 70 years James Mahan; her sister: Helen Bosch; her brother: Joe Gallagher; her sisters-in-law: Mary Gallagher and Jeanne Mammalis; her brothers-in-law: Pete Rose and Patrick Mahan; her son: Brian Mahan; her daughter: Monica Sullivan; her daughters-in-law: Sue and Jennifer Mahan; several nephews and nieces; 6 grandchildren; and 2 great granddaughters.
We are grateful to the wonderful, dedicated people who provided Alma with terrific ongoing medical care and attention in her time of greatest need at The Montgomery Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Hudson Valley SPCA, 940 Little Britain Road (Rt. 207) New Windsor, NY 12553.
Visitation was held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11th at Quigley-Sullivan Home, Inc. 337 Hudson Street Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. A Mass of Christian burial was held Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 340 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Thomas Cemetery, Cornwall, NY.
Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc.; to send condolences or get directions, please go to www.Quigleybros.com.
Margaret “Peggy” Maher Rafferty
December 1, 1928—February 25, 2023
Bradenton, FL formerly Highland Falls, NY
Margaret “Peggy” Maher Rafferty was born on December 1, 1928 at her grandmother’s home in Highland Falls, NY. She entered eternal rest on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
Peggy was the third of seven children of Albert and Grace Downsbrough Maher. She was a graduate of Highland Falls High School where she won awards for her athletic talent. She worked as “telephone operator 38” until she found her true vocation – raising a large family.
Peggy came home from work one day to be told she was going on a date with the mailman. She was not happy to have her own mother making a date for her. She married the mailman, William “Bill” Rafferty, on April 20, 1952. They raised eight children at their home “on the top of Brown’s Hill”. The large backyard was a gathering place for the north end children to grow up playing games, sports and feeling the special warmth of Peggy’s coaching and officiating.
During her time living in Highland Falls, Peggy was very active at Sacred Heart Church, and was an organizer for many events for the Catholic Daughters. Many enjoyed Peggy’s organizational skills and comedy skits. She also coached Ponytail Softball as girls’ sports were very important to her.
In 1992, Peggy and Bill retired to Bradenton, Florida and took up residence in an active adult community. Again, they became very engaged in the community and for many years the community and their church benefitted from Peggy’s skill set.
She is survived by her sons: Thom (Margie) of Farmington, NY, Marty (Tamberly) of Wallkill, NY, Terry (Beth) of Newburgh, NY and Matt of Highland Falls, NY; daughters: Mary of Colorado Springs, CO and Patty (Bob) Krom of Grahamsville, NY; grandchildren: Christian, Laura, Colleen, Amanda, Eileen, Megan, Liam, Trevor, Reagan, Brian, Emerald, Heather, Andrew, TJ, and Glen; great grandchildren: Colin, Greta, Margot, Carmen, Rylan, Mason, Brendan, Greg, Zach, Auggie, Adelina, Atlas, Melody, Arizona, James, Jay, Jacoby, and Jasper. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Peggy was predeceased by her loving husband, her parents, sisters: Eleanor DiCesare, Grace Monahan, Shirley Haggard, Mary Jane Kukurender, and brothers: Albert Maher, Jr. and Stephen Maher. She was also predeceased by sons: Edward and James.
A Funeral Mass will be offered at Sacred Heart Church, 353 Main Street, Highland Falls, NY on April 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., with Father Mike Palazzo officiating. Peggy’s final resting place will be next to her beloved husband at Eagle Valley Cemetery, Rt 9W, Highland Falls, NY.
To honor her memory, please do something today to make someone smile. She would love that!
Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc.; to send condolences, please go to www.Quigleybros.com