Margaret Kelleher Obituary

Margaret K. “Peggy” Kelleher of Doniphan, Missouri, passed away on June 27, 2024 at Cedarhurst of Farmington, under the care of Gentiva Hospice. Peggy was a beloved daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, godmother, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend; whose life and memory are cherished by all who knew her.

Peggy was born April 10, 1939 in Saint Louis, Missouri, to Matthew E. Freeman Jr. and Elizabeth M. Freeman (nee Dowling), who both preceded her in death. Peggy graduated from Corpus Christi Catholic School and Ursuline Academy, and was a member of The Colleen’s All-Girls Drum and Bugle Corps of Saint Louis in the 1950’s. While raising her family, Peggy volunteered and worked for various organizations and ultimately became a Budget Analyst for the US Department of Defense. Peggy served as President of the Gateway Chapter of the American Society of Military Comptrollers in the 1990’s, and was an active member of NARFE for many years, serving on the board of her local chapter while living in New Jersey. Throughout her life and career, Peggy was known for her hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others.

More than anything, Peggy was a loving and devoted mother to her children and step-children, as well as a cherished grandmother, great grandmother, and dedicated dog mom. Peggy loved spending time with her family and friends sharing stories, playing games, attending sporting events and gymnastics, cooking, baking, sewing, crocheting, crafting, being a room-mother, Girl Scout Cookie Chairperson, and Bluebird/Campfire Girl Leader. Peggy was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement, no matter what challenges or opportunities her children and grandchildren faced. 

Peggy is survived by brother Matthew E. (Jeannie) Freeman III, sisters-in-law Terry Freeman, Linda Hoenig, Cheryl Mareschal, and Maureen Kelleher, brothers-in-law Joe Mareschal and Neal (Shari) Mareschal, children Teresa Mareschal, Lisa (Bruce) Gibson, Patrice Mareschal, and Greg (Tricia) Mareschal Jr., step-children John (Mary Barger) Kelleher, Kathy (John) Hagedorn and Sheila Kelleher, grandchildren Jacob and Alex Mareschal-Rudin, Tanya Parnell, Anthony Rebert, Kristen (Jory) Cook, step-grandchildren Megan (Phil) DeGuglielmo, Bridget (Michael) Kelleher-Alfuso, Sarah Hagedorn VanSlette, Jamie (Brian) Tremblay, Shay and Conor Kelleher, plus five great-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren. 

In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by step-father Leslie Brickey, two former husbands, Gregory J. Mareschal and John P. “Jack” Kelleher Jr., in-laws Eugene (Marie) Mareschal and John P. (Georgia) Kelleher Sr., brother Jude Freeman, sisters Mary Ellen (Jim) Benson, Betty (Jim) Schmidt, step-sister Connie (Ron) Schroeder, brothers-in-law Gene (Marlene) Mareschal and Al Hoenig, sisters-in-law Theresa Freeman and Sharon Mareschal, step-son Christopher Kelleher, and her loyal and devoted canine companion of 12 years, Button Kelleher.

Peggy selflessly donated her body to Saint Louis University Center for Anatomical Science and Education. A private Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at a later date. The family kindly requests memorial donations to: The Alzheimer's Association at: www.alz.org.