Margaret Macvean

Margaret MacVean, 98, died on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center in Albany, NY, where she had been a resident since January. She was born in Gloversville, NY in November of 1916 to William and Ella Knapp. A graduate of Gloversville High School, she held various jobs in Gloversville and Johnstown. She outlived her four brothers, Lyle, Lynn, Robert and Howard Knapp. In 1941, she wed Charles MacVean, who died in 2008 after 67 years of marriage. Her two sons survive her: James (Linda LeClair) of Albany and John (Paula Harrington) of Canton, IL. She had five grandchildren: Kathleen MacVean (Santiago Martin Merino) of Alcalá de Henares, Spain; Colin MacVean (Colleen Pennell) of Saratoga Springs, NY; Megan MacVean(deceased); Jeffrey MacVean (Emily Hamm) of Canton, IL; and Davin Lagerroos (Michelle Lee) of Minneapolis, MN. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Alex Goede; Pedro, Elías and Dani MacVean Martin; Carter, Kaelyn and Kenzie MacVean; and Mira Lagerroos. Other surviving relatives include brothers and sisters in law, Arthur MacVean of Johnstown; Donald and Eileen MacVean of Amsterdam, NY; and Ruth and Robert Beyer of Vail Mills, NY, plus many nieces and nephews. Margaret led a full and vigorous life, traveling all over the United States, to Canada and Spain, visiting family and friends. A favorite destination was Florida, where she enjoyed watching manatees, even adopting one through a save-the-manatees charity. She served on the committees for her class reunions and attended them into her early 90's, joining with classes on either side of her graduation date at later reunions. The last few years dealt a number of blows to her health but until the last she managed to impress all around her with her ability to bounce back. She had a wonderful sense of humor until the end of her life. Her amiable temperament made her well-loved, notably in the assisted living facilities and nursing centers in which she resided for the past few years. She was an admired model for her family and all those with whom she came in contact. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of her family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are in the care of Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, NY 12078.