Margaret McGilvray Kennard's Obituary
Margaret McGilvray Kennard passed away on Monday, April 10, 2023; surrounded by her family.
She was born to parents Marvin R. & Lois Hill McGilvray on Feb. 12, 1941. Siblings: Billy, Homer, and Phoebe, preceded her in death.
She was married to the love of her life, Harold P. "Buddy" Kennard on June 24, 1960. They spent 43 years together until he departed on Nov. 7, 2004.
She was a loving mother of 4 children. Janice Kennard Wingate of Gainesville, FL; Harold F. (Tammy) Kennard of High Springs, FL; Mike (Brenda) Kennard of Micanopy, FL; Donny (Amanda) Kennard of North Port, FL. All of them will tell you they had the best mom in the world,
For as much as she loved her children; she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with even more of her heart and soul. She has 7 grandchildren; Ashley (Pete) Roberts; Kyle (Whitney) Kennard; Katie Kennard and Kassidy (Austin) Phelps; Kodiak (Alena) Kennard; Klinton Kennard; Shane Kennard and 6 great-grandchildren; Lilias, Khelani, Lottie Roberts; Hadley and Camden Kennard; Kymber Phelps. They All loved their "DeeDah"!
When her sister, Phoebe McGilvray Howell passed at age 49. Margaret stepped in to be more than just an Aunt to Lois (Bruce) Varnes and Timothy (Traci) and became a grandmother to their children; Joseph Segree; Levi Howell and Cheyanne (Noah) Toney and their grandchildren; Alexis Segree Kreegan; Jackson Segree
Her family was her world. She loved to attend her children's and grandchildren's sporting events and other celebrations in their life. She was a supporting "Mom" or "DeeDah", to all of her friends too. She loved, loving her family.
Margaret was a loyal Gator fan, in good times and in bad and has surprised many with her knowledge of football.
She retired from the USPS. Margaret loved serving her customers in the Micanopy office and enjoyed working with her coworkers.
She was a lifelong resident of Gainesville, FL., and Alachua County.
Until her illness, she met a group of high school friends once a month for lunch; they called themselves the "GHS Girls". She enjoyed this time with her lifelong friends.
Margaret was a woman of great faith and a Charter member of Southwest United Methodist Church of Gainesville, FL. She began with serving on all the building committees, building the parsonage and educational building, as well as the Administrative Council, Staff Parrish Relations, and Nominating committees.
Margaret was the kindest, sweetest, loving person you could meet and if you knew her for a lifetime, a few years or just met her; you would get what you need from her. A kind word, some needed advice, great support, a good hug, or story from her life. She was always ready to give her love to others, and this is what everyone loved about her and will greatly miss.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Magnolia Ridge Rehab. Especially those that were with us during the last days, Tiffany, Shannon, Kris and Dejea; along with her regular caregivers Gabby, Nessa and many more. Thank you!
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Williams-Thomas Westarea Funeral Home, 823 NW 143rd St with Pastor Fred Lawrence officiating. Family will receive friends Friday, April 14, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
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