Peggy N. Mackiewicz

Peggy, “Nani,” Mackiewicz passed away on May 26 at the age of 95. She never feared death and looked forward to what comes next. Her family is filled with great comfort to know she is finally reunited with so many people she loved who went before her, especially her husband of 69 years, Augie Mackiewicz. We have no doubt they are all celebrating as we speak and welcoming Peggy to her next great adventure in Paradise.

Born on January 3, 1929 in London, England to Walter and Rose (Watts) Warnecke, Peggy immigrated to the Bronx, NY when she was 8 months old. She remained true to her British roots throughout her life, always keeping up with the latest royal family news, and enjoying her tea and cookies.

Peggy remained in the city for most of her life. Her first job was for Air France. She then met her husband Augie after he returned from serving in World War II and they got married in 1949. Together they welcomed two daughters, and she was a loving and devoted mother. She worked at Fordham University as a secretary in the Psychology Department for 35 years, a job she truly loved. Not long after she retired, she moved to Peekskill, NY where she enjoyed volunteering at Peekskill Hospital. Then she and Augie moved to their final home in Guilderland, NY to be closer to family.

Peggy is survived and will be dearly missed by her children Vicki Hanly, Joan Qualtere (Thomas), grandchildren Christopher Hanly (Christy), Karen Lehmbeck (Richard), Jennifer Genoa, Thomas Qualtere, Maria Qualtere Rogers (Lucas), and Jonathan Qualtere, nephew Eric Meyer, and eight great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her father (with whom she’ll be reunited after 85 years), her mother, her sister Barbara Meyer, her son-in-law Michael Hanly, many dear friends and family members, and the love of her life, Augie.

In her younger years, Peggy loved hosting family and friends for parties. She was always dressed to the nines with her hair done perfectly (weekly hair appointments remained part of her routine well into her 90s). She often reminisced about the moments she spent in the company of dear friends and family, whether it was at their favorite restaurants in the Bronx, vacationing at the Jersey Shore, playing pinochle, or gambling in Atlantic City. As she got older, Peggy loved relaxing in her recliner and watching her favorite soap operas. She was a voracious reader, enjoyed doing word searches and crossword puzzles, and always looked forward to having family at her house for takeout Fridays.

Peggy was thrilled by the legacy she left behind in her family. Though there are so many wonderful memories to choose from, what her family will miss most are the everyday moments: the phone calls, walking into her house and having to shout because the TV was so loud, and the blunt, sometimes unsolicited advice Peggy was so good at giving, which always resulted in laughter. Peggy lit up watching her great-grandchildren play at her house and loved feeding them their bottles and singing them songs. She always loved a good sing-along. Peggy lived a long life, and her strength, wit, and wisdom were always on display.

Peggy’s family is extremely grateful to the nurses and staff on the Ann Lee unit at Shaker Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who cared for her throughout the last two years. Peggy often said, “old age is for the birds,” but their dedication and kindness made it more bearable. Her family would also like to thank Mary, Lynn, and Marie for their companionship and compassion.

Peggy was a woman of deep faith, and she always trusted in God’s plans. As we lay our beloved mom, “Nani,” and “Old Nani” to eternal rest, we find solace in the fact she is finally at peace.

Calling hours will take place on Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie NY 12205. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 10:00am in St. Madeline Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Rd, Schenectady, NY 12303. Peggy will be buried alongside her husband at the Gerald B. H. Saratoga National Cemetery.

In her memory, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.