Margaret Veronica Whalen

Margaret Veronica Whalen went to be with the Lord on Saturday morning, April 21, 2018, after serving a wonderful and meaningful life.  She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.  Margaret (aka Peggy) was born on August 15, 1930 in her parents’ house on Second Avenue in Pelham, New York.  She was the second daughter of James and Anne Whalen, who were both 100% Irish.  Margaret attended Saint Gabriel’s High School where she excelled, especially in sports (basketball and softball).  Shortly after graduating high school she pursued becoming a Catholic nun and in 1950, she took her vows with the Sisters of Charity.  Her initial responsibilities included working in hospital nursery and maternity wards.  Margaret also continued her education, eventually obtaining a Master Degree in Social Work.  Although after 24 years she left the Sisters of Charity, she remained employed by the Diocese of New York as a social worker.  Margaret retired in 1996 after 43 years of serving those in need at the New York Foundling Hospital and the St. Agatha Home in Nanuet, New York.  The St. Agatha Home was a group home for destitute children (homeless or orphans) from the streets of New York City.  In addition to her commitment to serve others, Margaret loved spending time with family and friends in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Michigan and Ireland.  She especially enjoyed traveling to Ireland with her cousin Sister Sheila Normoyle and found much joy spending time with Christine Normoyle and Fergie Troy and their boys PJ and Michael.   A couple of years ago, when her health started to fail, Margaret moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan to spend time with her nephew and three nieces, along with her grand nephews and nieces.  Margaret is survived by her nieces Jan Yelton of Kalamazoo, Mary Beth Waning of Benton Harbor (husband John), Meg Kloeckner of Holt and nephew Ballard Jay Yelton III of Kalamazoo (wife Lori).  She is also survived by 10 grand nephews and nieces including Ballard Jay Yelton IV,  Steve Waning (wife Jamie), Caila Bulkowski, Jake Bulkowski, Chad Yelton, Brent Yelton, Bridgette Waning, Sean Bulkowski, Hunter Waning and Mitch Yelton.  She was preceded in death by her wonderful sister Ann Marie Yelton, brother-in-law Ballard Jay Yelton Jr. and niece Susan Yelton.  A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Monica Parish, 4408 South Westnedge Avenue on June 2, 2018 at 11:00 AM.  Interment will take place in Mount Olivet Cemetery.  A memorial service will also take place this summer in New York.