Margaret Mary "Maggie" Pearl

Margaret Mary (Buckley) Pearl ("Maggie"), 77, of Champlain Drive, Cliff Haven, passed away Holy Saturday evening, April 11, 2009, at CVPH Hospital in Plattsburgh. Maggie was born on All Saints Day, November 1, 1931, in Saranac Lake, NY, the daughter of Timothy J. Buckley and Margaret (Foley) Buckley. Maggie was a graduate of St. Rose College where she was voted Rose Queen by her classmates. She went on to become a high school English teacher in the Saranac school district. It was during this time when she met her future husband, Jack Pearl of Plattsburgh. Later in their marriage, Maggie returned to teaching as a pre-kindergarten teacher at St. John's Academy of Plattsburgh. After more than 47 years of marriage, Maggie was widowed by Jack's death in September of 2003. After her father's death when she was 10 years old, Maggie learned early on the value of close family ties. She, her only brother, Jack, and their mother depended upon each other through many rough times in what became a real success story. She built a loving family and gave herself completely to her husband and eight children. Maggie has truly been the life's blood of her family. It was through Maggie that her now adult children and their families have stayed connected to each other. Above all, Maggie loved her family and her home. After dedicating her married life to making the most loving and happy home she possibly could, it was at home that she felt most alive. She was happiest when her children and 32 grandchildren would all get together so she could make her home their home. Maggie is survived by her eight children, Mary Theresa Pearl of Charlottesville, VA, Timothy Pearl and his wife Laura Harding Pearl of Dover, NH, Daniel Pearl and his wife Mary Julie Pearl of Cary, IL, John Pearl and his wife Patricia Pearl of New Milford, CT, Kathleen Hughes and her husband William Hughes of Riverview, FL, Anne Jenkins and her husband Eric Jenkins of Fairfield, CA, Margaret Mundy and her husband Craig Mundy of Wildwood, MO, and Michael Pearl and his wife Susana Pearl of San Mateo, CA, and her 32 grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother John Buckley and his wife Harriet Ann Buckley of Newport News, VA. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh, NY. The funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church in Plattsburgh with a reception in the basement of the church following the burial ceremony at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Seton Catholic High School and St. John's Church. Mass cards and prayers would also be greatly appreciated for the repose of her soul. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. in Plattsburgh. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com