Margaret Carrara

Margaret Carrara, force of nature, and beloved wife, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, neighbor, and friend, passed away on July 18, 2012 after 93 glorious trips around the sun. Margaret joins her loving husband Dan, and siblings John, Agnes, Ellen and Jim, Charles and Mary in eternal life, and in our fondest memories. Born in Brooklyn to Irish immigrants John and Mary (Moran) Toner, Margaret never forgot her Irish roots. Throughout her life, she would return many times to Ireland, and she served as the family historian, keeping in touch with relatives on both sides of the Atlantic. Naturally athletic, as a young woman, Margaret mastered sports with ease and was a talented golfer and tennis player. Instilled with a strong belief in education by her parents, she earned bachelor degrees in math and business from Hofstra University and remained a life-long learner. Her life took an unexpected turn when, while working as Personnel Director at St. Albans Military Hospital on Long Island, she caught the eye of dashing naval officer, Daniel Carrara, in whom she found her soul mate and husband. Margaret and Dan loved to entertain; their dinner parties were famous for fine food, drink, and conversation. Always fashionable, she retained an impeccable sense of style throughout her life, and will be lovingly remembered by her nieces for late night lessons in fashion. Margaret loved to dance, and never tired of teaching her nieces and nephews the proper steps. She was known to break into “Danny Boy” and “Irish Eyes are Smiling” at the drop of the hat, and she found her voice improved after a drop or two of sherry. Never one to sit still, Margaret lived a life full of purpose and service. She was a tireless volunteer throughout her life, deeply involved in her community and her parish, Holy Name of Mary in Valley Stream. Upon retirement, Margaret founded the “Young at Heart” club in Nassau County to provide seniors with opportunities to provide service to other community members. Her outstanding contributions were recognized in 1991 when the county honored her as its Senior Citizen of the Year. Fond of adventure, Margaret and Dan travelled extensively to far flung places including Cairo, Istanbul, Paris, Dublin, Rome, and countless places in-between. Proud to have served their country, she and Dan enjoyed socializing and travel with their network of close friends from the military. In particular, Mary Perkins, Margaret’s co-worker from St. Albans, remained their dearest life-long friend. Upon moving to Ormond Beach Florida, Margaret became an active member of the “South Forty” community, where she was often seen at the clubhouse playing cards. She was fond of her many friends in the neighborhood, and the local parish, the Prince of Peace. After moving to Endwell to be closer to family, Margaret enjoyed her final years in Keepsake Village and as a member of the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. For Margaret Carrara, every moment in life counted and had a purpose. She lived life fiercely, as a gift to be seized. She inspired those around her with her thoughtfulness, generosity and indefatigable spirit. Margaret is survived by her sister-in-law Joan Toner, over thirty nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and many friends. Margaret’s family thanks the Keepsake Village community and the staff at Wilson Memorial Hospital for their kindness and care.Funeral Services will be held Tuesday 9:30 am from the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church at 10 am. Burial will be in Holy Rood Cemetery, Westbury, NY, Thursday at 1 pm. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Monday evening from 5-8 pm.