Margaret Riley Hanford, of Pittsford, NY, passed away on September 11th at the age of 80. Predeceased by her parents Dr. Joseph and Laura (Hourigan) Riley, she is survived by her loving husband and best caretaker EVER of 55 years, Thomas Hanford; her children Sarah Hanford (Barb Ferdman), of Pittsford and Nick Hanford of Denver, CO; her grandchildren Sophie and Will Hanford; her brother John (Sue) Riley of Geneva, OH; numerous nieces, and cousins; and a legion of friends.
Margaret grew up in Oswego, New York and graduated from Nazareth College, before marrying Thomas Hanford in 1969. She enjoyed her years as an EMT and working on social service boards in the region, but especially loved her time at the family cottage in Fair Haven, NY. Gracious hospitality and generosity are the hallmarks of this good, kind and brave women. Her commitment to family and friends were always a priority. To top it all off, she really knew how to give a good party! Good food, good company and lots of fun.
Calling hours will be held at the Keenan Funeral Home 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd., Fairport, NY 14450 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday September 19th. Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. on Friday September 20th at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 601 Edgewood Ave. Rochester, NY 14618. The Funeral Service will. be live-streamed at http://www.youtube.com/@OLQPSTM. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family at Springbrook Cemetery, Sterling, NY.
In lieu of flowers in a donation in Margaret’s name may be made to ALS Association POX 3702 Boone, IA 50037 or to Neurology Dept., University of Rochester, Medical Center, 300 E. River Rd., PO Box 270032, Rochester, NY 14527, www.universityofrochester-makeagift/neurology-gift.
Comments
10 responses to “Hanford, Margaret Riley”
Thank you Margaret for being my mentor at Fair Haven. You welcomed me and my family with open arms. I will miss our conversations about Oswego and Fair Haven but will always feel your spirit when I boat around your point. Rest in peace my friend.
Sweet Margaret , how you will be missed by so many. Your support and friendship for my sister Martha when she was battling cancer was legendary. I will miss seeing you at your Fair Haven cottage and laughing our way through our visits. You were a class act ! The obituary says it all so beautifully.
Tom , John and families, I know this loss. One day at a time. My prayers are with you. Tom, your extraordinary and loving care of Margaret was beautiful. You also are a class act.
I am privileged to have been Margaret’s cousin and friend.
Our wonderful cousin Margaret. She was so strong and graceful in her ALS fight.
I looked forward to our annual Fair Haven visits at Riley’s point. Even as she was weakening, we had such fun and so many laughs. We shared stories about family and growing up in Oswego.
I send my deepest sympathy to Tom and the family. Her fight is over; may she rest in peace.
Margaret will always be remembered for thinking of everyone else before herself. Her kindness should be the standard for which we all should strive. Rest in peace Margaret. A smile will always come to the faces who knew you, when they think of you.
Margaret was a beautiful person full of kindness, wisdom and love. What a courageous women. Margaret comforted the sick, lifted up those who were suffering, helped those in need , and encouraged everyone. Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. With Love , Bill, Elizabeth and Erin Fortune and Richard and Daniel Pelow
Margaret, I could not have asked for a more thoughtful, generous Godmother. I will always hold you near and dear to my heart. Fair Haven won’t be the same without you, I will miss you. Condolences and love to your family, Tom, your care of Margaret was magnificent, May peace be found in the knowledge that her struggle has ended.
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Condolences to Tom and Family. Margaret was a model of kindness and caring. I relish the memories of our times at the Fair Haven Junior Yacht Club. We shared an adolescence and young adulthood that will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace, Margaret…you will be missed.
In peace,
Anne Lunkenheimer Johnston – Melbourne, Australia
Margaret was such a force—warm hospitality always—she had beautiful gardens wherever she was—on Clover Hills Drive, at Tobey Woods, at the lovely cottage at Fair Haven. And what beautiful homes she created—one amusing memory I have is being shown around their Tobey Woods condo right after they’d bought it. As we walked around and saw decor that I was sure was not to Margaret’s taste, I thought—how is she going to make this nice? Well—voila! Two months later it was absolutely gorgeous!
Our kids had fun together at their Nani’s, at the Ccof R (the kiddie pool), and at their house on Clover Hills…our family remembers her fondly.
And wasn’t she exceptionally graceful, gracious , and brave during her last illness—bless you,, Margaret!
Margaret (and Tom) graciously hosted a pre-wedding celebration for David and me at their Fair Haven home spring of 2002. We were fortunate recipients of Margaret’s entertaining gifts. (Martha Stewart has nothing on Margaret!) Every encounter with Margaret was warm and loving. Especially when we would be at the same Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace. May God bless you and hold you close dear one.