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Margaret (Thompson) Rankin O’Connor, 3/14/32 – 4/10/23, Peggy honey was a legend. She was a warm and wonderful teacher, friend, daughter, sister and Mother to five rambunctious children. She always had a smile on her face, laughed easily and saw the bright side of things.
After having five kids in four years she would joke “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” She was brought up in a large South Buffalo Irish family and she lived those family values of generosity, fairness, fierce loyalty, humor, and devotion to others. She was an excellent teacher who constantly went above and beyond to help those who were disadvantaged. Through her we learned the value of community and service to others.
She earned two masters degrees in counseling and early education. She loved a good sing along and would tear up when the family sang with her. She would always have an extra place for anyone who felt left out and was always there if they needed a beer and a sympathetic ear. She loved a cold drink, a good game of poker and all bodies of water.
She looked forward to spending her summers at Sunset Bay on Lake Erie whose waters and community were priceless to her. She taught many a child to swim and kayak. She was kind and generous so that whatever she had, she was willing to share. Peg O’Connor was a large and wonderful spirit who positively touched everyone who met her. Her passing will leave a void in our lives but we are all the better having known her.
She was predeceased by her parents; William and Alice Thompson, her son Michael Renckens, her previous husbands John Rankin and Donald O’Connor.
Survived by children, Mary Renckens, Tim Renckens (Susan), Tom Renckens (Sarah Fagg), Karen Clanton (Sid); Grandchildren, Paul Renckens, Jessie Clanton (Jacob Nichols), Daniel Renckens (Meghan), Carly Clanton, and Andy Renckens; three great grandchildren, Everly Johnson, Leland Nichols, and Lily Renckens.
Service will be held at the Clanton house in Charlotte on Sunday the 16th at 1:30pm.
Carolina Cremation of Charlotte and Salisbury is assisting the O’Connor family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Greg Crowe says
I was saddened to hear about Peg’s passing and extend my condolences to her family and friends. I connected with Peg and her kids when I was 11 years old. We were all from Western NY ( I was born in Buffalo too ) and somehow ended up in the Starmount neighborhood of Charlotte NC where we met. I became fast friends with twins Tim and Tom. I would hang out with them at their house on Watercrest Rd. Peg was smart, funny and kind . We laughed a lot !! When Peg’s family moved to another neighborhood my parents bought their house.. I have lots of funny memories of my preteen life hanging with Peg and her kids. The last time I saw her in her prime was 12 years ago when I was visiting a former girlfriend in Buffalo. We made a special trip to visit with Peg at her beach house on Lake Erie. We had a blast ! Peg’s kids, Mike, Mary, Tim, Tom and Karen were very lucky to have such a fine person for a mother.
Dan Harley says
My condolences to all of Peggy’s children and family. I have many memories of her. I won’t ever forget. Prayers 🙏 for all. May God bring comfort to you all. Amen.
Judith Overstreet says
There are not enough words to express her warmth and kindness..Mike and I are among the friends who shared a few days at Lake Erie..thoughts are with the family and love for a beautiful lady who will be missed ♥️
Callaghan Family says
What a full and inspiring life for all to admire. Our families prays for your family.
JimRenckens says
A SPECIAL lady RIP Peg
Kathy McDermott says
I won’t be able to make it Sunday, but I will be thinking about you guys and sending love….Peggy Honey was the best❤️
Lori says
Peg is missed around here. She taught me to kayak and we shared a love of water fun. God bless and comfort you, family. Peg loved and was well loved in return.
Joanne Aber, Wichita, KS and Derby, NY says
Peg was warm hearted with a smile that lit up the room…she never met a stranger…I called her the “Auntie Mame” of Sunset Bay…
My life and the life of all who knew her were blessed by her presence…
May we each walk in the sunshine of memories of her…
🙏🌈🙏 to her family…
Peg Overdorf says
Peg was a neighbor for just a week a year when we rented a cottage at Sunset across the street. She was hospitable the first time we met and she allowed us to park in her driveway. Soon after we were having a few drinks with her and realized that she had ties to the First Ward and that Peg Thompson, my moms pal, was her godmother. Great times and great conversations.
Laurea Lapp says
We spent many sunny, sandy weeks during my childhood visiting Sunset Bay and the mint green cottage. I adored how Aunt Peggy always wanted to hang out with the kids and take us kayaking and swimming on the lake. I’ll never forget washing sand off my feet in the cold (sandy) water tub by the door and the constant refrain “don’t let the door slam!!” on the back porch. Many, many happy memories to hold. Much love to her and her family.
Rick Lapp says
“May those who love us love us. Those who don’t love us, may God turn their hearts. If he can’t turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles, so we’ll know them by their limping.” RIP Peggy Honey.
Erin McDermott says
Hanging out with Peggy while growing up with the Clantons was one of my favorite times as a kid. Going over to her place was incredibly special and she always made me feel welcomed. I have so many wonderful memories hanging out at her pool, going canoeing at the lake, and eating delicious meals together at her place.
Peggy was a wonderful role model. She was an incredible balance of both strength and benevolence. A force to be reckoned with.
When I was around her as a kid she always appeared unafraid, strong, and happy. I could be a real rebellious kid, but Peggy was one adult I never tested. She commanded respect with her presence alone. She made me feel important and loved. When around her, I wanted to be the person she seemed to think I was.
Peggy will be missed by those who were lucky enough to cross paths with her.
One memory of Peggy I’ve been replaying in my head is when I was a kid. We were at the lake and had been canoeing all morning. We finally stopped to rest and have lunch. Peggy came ashore to help Karen serve sandwiches and then she headed back out on the water. I remember us kids were amazed she had energy to keep going. We were worn out!
We all sat happily in silence eating turkey sandwiches, watching Peggy paddle her kayak. She looked so peaceful on the water out there.
Peggy looked back, smiled, and then slowly paddled away from us to go on her own adventure.
Rest In Peace, Peggy.
Madonna (Schmatz) Nagle says
I’m sending condolences to Peggy’s family from my 92 year old mother who just found her obituary this AM in the Buffalo News. She told me so many stories about her and Peggy being best friends at Mount Mercy. The best was one was, on the last day of their senior year at the Mount, they wore shorts and T-shirts under their uniforms, after school they went across the street to Cazenovia park and burned the uniforms! the principal saw and called each mother and there was trouble, but the best part my mother just told me was that Peg said to her, “well at least they didnt see us smoking!” Peg she said was her best friend and is so sorry to hear of her passing but she has so many wonderful memories of her.
Donna Brown says
Condolences from Donna B and Robert. We’re sorry we couldn’t make it for Peggy Honey’s service and memorial. I did not know her well, but I do remember her having a smile on her face and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. ❤️. She will carry on through her beautiful, spirited and mischievous children and grandcildren. RIP wild lady. ❤️🙏
Karen clanton says
Thank you, thank you thank you — it was so kind of so many of you to come and Sending prayers — mom’s love is surrounding us and keeping us in peace— she really never missed a day of her life! Don O’Connor was a real blessing to our lives and his protection and provision keep mom safe all these years! Keep sending story’s! They are a blessing