Hilton Head Island, SC – Margaret Ann Saba, 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Hilton Head Island, where she recently moved to be close to her youngest son Rick (Jada). Margaret was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts on April 20, 1938, the daughter of James and Arcelia (Charboneau) O’Neil. A beloved sister to James, Marilyn & Douglas, little Peggy was adored by her parents, siblings and sweet dog Jocko.
Peggy spoke fondly of her early years in Greenfield doted on by her loving family. She attended Greenfield High School where she cheered and spent some of her happiest times waterskiing and performing on Lake Sunapee; she even graced the cover of the Sunapee Vacation brochure. After graduation Peggy attended Merrimack College, and she met the love of her life.
Bob Saba and Peggy O’Neil married in September of 1959 and although Peggy assumed her husband’s last name, she still referred to herself as Peggy O’Neil. Her license plates always had some form of Peggy O and her needlepoint pillow that read “If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough” was always displayed on the entryway bench, where shoes were removed before entering.
Peggy and Bob made their home in Latham, New York where they made many beautiful long-lasting friendships that remain today. Peggy was a homemaker of the highest order; her coffee cake was her signature dish; and she made one for everyone she loved. She raised the family and managed her household like a true boss; planning family trips and holidays on a budget was her specialty. She scrimped all year long for a precious week on Cape Cod and a vacation in Siesta Key. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and her Christmas stockings were legendary. Mama worked all year long choosing the perfect gifts to place inside.
As the years went by Peggy found herself at the “happiest place on earth”, Disney World, and it became her happy place too, visiting over 40 times. Her favorite time of year at Disney was Christmas when the Magic Kingdom was all decked out and she could explore the different countries at EPCOT, learning something new about their culture and how they celebrate holidays.
Bob and Peggy eventually retired to Wrinkle Point on Cape Cod, MA and The Contessa in Naples, Florida where they made new friends and started new adventures. Peggy’s two hole-in-one golf trophies remained on display in her foyer for all to see as they entered her home. Peggy loved the ocean and walking the beaches collecting shells.
Nine years ago, our mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and life changed, but the love of a 67-year marriage remained. Our Dad faithfully cared for his wife ensuring she had the best of everything.
Our mother was always strong, but her strength was never more evident than through her final years. She was always committed to God and the Catholic Church but her faith in God’s will was inspiring. She was a good and faithful servant who patiently waited to be taken home.
She is survived by her sisters-in-law Maureen Ridenour and Sylvia Saba, her daughter Sherill Fair (Tom), son Rob (Mark) and her son Rick (Jada). She was Mama to her cherished grandchildren James Fair (Alice), Alison Key (Benjamin), Christian Fair (Ashley), Olivia Gratton (Johnny), Brady and Breanna Saba, Christian, Matthew and Michael Hogan, her seven beloved great grandchildren with one on the way and many dear nieces and nephews.
Margaret was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert Saba, parents James and Arcelia O’Neil, brothers James (Mary) and Douglas O’Neil (Mary, Lorraine), sister Marilyn O’Neil, in-laws William and Elizabeth Saba, and brother-in-law Ron Saba.
Thank you to Avow & Crescent Hospice; Eugenie, Anita, Marian & Suzie and the caring staff at the Fraser/Seabrook. A special thank you to our sweet Jada.
A private celebration of life is planned for a later date, and we will always celebrate a Thanksgiving in July.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes