Margaret Inez O'Keson

Margaret Inez O’Keson, 74, of McKeesport, PA, formerly of Pensacola, FL., passed away peacefully in her home, Wednesday, March 25, 2015 surrounded by her family, friends and beloved pets. She was born November 10, 1940 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Frank E. and Mabel A. (Scott) O’Keson. After graduating from Mckeesport High School in 1958, she continued her education at the McKeesport Hospital, where she obtained her laboratory technician degree. This degree allowed her to take positions in Chicago, IL., Washington D.C. and Pensacola, FL., where she spent most of her life. After retirement from the West Florida Hospital in the late 90’s, Margaret purchased and renovated a Victorian Home in the Downtown North Hill Historic District of Pensacola, which became the VicMar Bed and Breakfast. She served on many of the neighborhood committees and helped in the revitalization of the neighborhood. Margaret was also the proprietor of a successful business, Maggie’s Lawn Care and Painting. In 2005, she decided that it was time to return to McKeesport. She took a job with the McKeesport Sewage Authority Plant testing water for Marcellus Shale and immediately became active in the city’s cultural and political scene. Margaret was a member of the McKeesport Planning Commission, the Joint Task Force, and was a Constable for the Election Bureau. She was a volunteer for the Festival of Trees, The Christmas Parade and International Village. Margaret also received the Outstanding Leadership Award from former McKeesport Mayor James R. Brewster in 2010. Margaret not only had a love and compassion for friends and family, she also loved animals. From the cat she picked out of the gutter to the 2 large stray dogs that she found wondering her neighborhood, each animal had a story that ended in a loving home with Margaret. As she cared for them, both her beloved dogs, Marty and J.R., kept vigil over Margaret in her final hour. In addition to her her sister Belinda (B) O’Keson, she is survived by her extended family and friends: Mark and Christine Farrell Zacharia and their son Terrence John “Jack”, a ray of sunshine in Margaret’s life since his birth, H. Aaron Dagen, Pensacola, FL., Carole A. Redman, Cheverly, Maryland, Beatrice (Bea) Longo and Dorothy Troutmann McKeesport, PA., and all others.... to Margaret, if you are a friend, you are family. She was preceded in death by her brother, Martin O’Keson who died November 6, 1986. The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Margaret’s caregivers especially, Edie Mayersky, and Jill and Cindy from Forbes/Celtic Hospice. We couldn’t have done it without you. There is no visitation. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Christ the Light of the World Parish, Duquesne by Father Tom Lewandowski. A future celebration of Margaret’s life will take place in Pensacola, FL.. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to White Oak Animal Safe Haven and Carnegie Free Library of McKeesport. Condolences may be made at gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com