WESTMERE, N.Y. – Margaret R. “Meg” Stevens of Westmere died Tuesday, May 11, 2010, peacefully at home with her loved ones at her side. Meg was 49 and died of cancer.
Born Feb. 6, 1961, in Syracuse, N.Y., Meg was the daughter of Margaret S. and William S. Stevens, formerly of Westmere and now living in St. Augustine, Fla. She was the mother of Adam C. Stevens of Westmere.
She was a 1979 graduate of Guilderland Central High School and held an associate’s degree in early childhood education from Hudson Valley Community College.
After working with children for several years, Meg took a job with the New York state Senate in 1993, serving as an administrative assistant for several majority counsel offices. Most recently, she was an administrative assistant to the Democratic Conference.
Eager and talented in the kitchen, Meg was known for showing up at family functions carrying armloads of food, especially homemade desserts. She loved baking around the holidays and was generous with her food as well as her recipes. She loved music, especially rock concerts, and also spent many weekends tending to her gardens.
With her companion of the past 14 years, Timothy W. Leahy, Meg enjoyed travel, especially to Florida and North Carolina, and loved riding the fastest, tallest, scariest roller-coasters she could find. Her favorite was Kingda Ka at Six Flags in New Jersey.
Meg also was blessed with many good friends who visited and comforted her during her illness. She and her family wish to extend heartfelt thanks to the people at Albany Memorial Hospital and The Community Hospice, who cared for Meg.
Besides her parents, son and Tim, Meg is survived by her sister, Beth Miuccio-Merritt of South Bethlehem; two brothers, Tony (Toni) of Pikeville, N.C., and Rik (Lisa) of Wilton; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Meg’s life from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, at Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday at Blessed Sacrament Church, Central Avenue, Albany. Burial will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Route 20, Guilderland.
Contributions in Meg’s name may be made to The Community Hospice Foundation, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144; or http://www.communityhospice.org. To leave a message of condolence for the family, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com
Brenda Wildey
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Meg was a wonderful co-worker and friend to my sister Traci. My thoughts and prayers are with Adam and the entire family during this difficult time. May you be at peace in knowing that she is in heaven above looking down and watching over you.
Janet Lovelock Reilly
Words cannot express the profound sadness I feel at the loss of this incredible young woman. She was a great friend who was loved by many. My deepest sympathies to her family – especially to you Adam, you were her world and she loved you more than life itself. I will miss seeing her face light up as she spoke of you which she so often did, you made her so proud to be your mom. Take comfort in knowing she is at peace now.
Traci Wildey
Meg, you left us way too early. There are things we talked about doing together in our old age that we will never do now. I want you to know that you were a super mom to Adam, you did it by yourself and I must say you did an awesome job. I can always say I learned from the best on how to raise a son on your own. But, I will be cursing you from down below because you always told me “Oh, just wait, Donny will be just like that someday (with your little chuckle following that statement)”. But if I handle it as well as you did, I know I will be just fine. Meg please know that I will be there for Adam when and if he ever needs me to be. I love you Meg and please send me signs every now and then to let me know that you are ok. I love you always. Love Fracy (and Donny).
Lisa Bruno
My heart goes out to her family and close friends. Meg was always a simple and humble person who worked hard and asked for little. She touched the lives of many and will be remembered fondly. It is a shame her mission was completed here so soon, but I am certain she is at peace and very happy in Gods arms. God Bless and I will see you someday Meg!
Lynn Van Amerongen
Tim and family. My sincere sympathy to all of you. Lynn
Brian & Alicia Searles
Tim, Adam and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Michelle (Gemme) MacDonald
So sorry to hear this news! It was just last November that we were all together again at the class of ’79 reunion. I feel fortunate that we had that time together again together.
My prayers and condolences to Meg’s son, Adam, parents, brothers and sisters, and entire family. Her family was her life.
Robin Klein
My heart is hurting for all of you.
I may be selfish but mine hurts also.
I was a classmate of hers.
We were friends in school.
I spent some time at the reunion in November with her.
My God she was one of those people one couldn’t say a negative thing about. She was sweet, kind, loving, intelligent, and all the positive words there are. I remember her giving me a warm and wonderful hug. We spoke of our sons who are the same age. She was Meg, the same gentle soul I knew from so long ago. No false faces or negativity. I am so sorry for her family , especially her son. If you were related or close to Meg, you too must have a similar spirit that she did. Love and sympathy to all.
Robin Klein
Jo-Ann Douglas-Torres
Meg was not just an administrative assistant in our office she was a friend and family to all of us. Meg was very much cherished. We will all miss her dearly. During my pregnancy Meg was very caring of me and helped me every step of the way. I wish the family especially Adam peace. I know the pain very well and the best advice is to not let the pain consume you or take away your faith. Meg will always live in our hearts and I for one will already think of Meg as the sweet, kind, and unique person that I have ever had the pleasure of being friends with. I will miss you Meg…may you rest knowing that you were loved by many and cherished by all.
Keith and Linda Taylor - North Carolina
We express our deepest sympathy to the Stevens Family. I am a co-worker of Tony’s and have heard many wonderful stories of the family, that I feel I know each of you. I am sorry that we did not get a chance to meet Meg in person, but, she truly sounds like a very special daughter, sister, friend and Mother.
Lynn, Nick, & Reagan Spizowski
Tim, Adam, and Family,
We are deeply saddened by your loss and words cannot express how sorry we are. May you be comforted knowing that Meg is no longer in pain and smiling down on all of you. All our love.
Scott Tilmont
My thoughts go out to you. Meg was quite friendly to all. I saw her at the reunion last November. I will always remember her as kind and thoughful.
Scott
Adam's Aunt Lou-Lou
Forever in my heart and soul. I love you Meg, I love you Adam
Julie Warren Kinley
I am so shocked and saddened to hear about Meg. I last saw her at our reunion in November and talked about how we used to play Barbies and hung out at the Star Market. She looked great. I regret that I did not get to talk to her again. She was a kind and caring woman, a good friend and will be terribly missed. I am grateful to have known her and will never forget her. May you find comfort in knowing she is with God and is at peace.
Ericka Montee and Family
Tim, Adam, and Family,
Meg was a great person and will be deeply missed by all! My condolences to your family. Ryan and I will miss coming to share our weekend afternoons with Meg – she was always a pleasure to be around and to share good times with.
My prayers, love and sympathy are with all of you!
Jeff McMillan
Rik,
Sincere condolences to you and your family from me and all of us here on the East Desk. You’re in our thoughts.
Jeff
Dorothy El-Amin
Tim, Adam, and Family,
John 14:1-4
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.
Meg was such a beautiful person…Her spirit was definitely one that would have you laughing and smiling. I truly will miss having Meg around here at the NYS Senate, but I know that the Lord had a greater plan for her..I pray that in your time of need, God will give you peace and comfort. He will continue to shine his light on your lives and supply every need according to his word.
Dorothy El-Amin
Ann (Ewald) Shaw-Better
Dear Bill and Peg, Tony and Adam
I am so sorry to learn of Meg’s passing. Meg and I worked in the Senate together, and I’d go to her office to get bill memos. We would talk about our children, who were little at the time. She was such a nice person.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Dick and Heidi Lewis
Bill and Peg: Please accept our deepest and most sincere sympathy on the loss of your daughter Meg whom we know you loved dearly. I want you and your family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad and trying time. Dick and Heidi.
carmine berghela
MEG. u were a friend and a work mate u will be missed and i am comforted knowing u willnt be in any more pain( god bless mag)
Amy Healy
Please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences for the loss of this wonderful, young woman. Thoughts of Meg evoke her legacy of strength and goodness. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Matthew Esler and his mother Eileen
So very sad to read this. My condolence’s, postive thoughts, and best wish’s to you all.
Matthew
Uncle Hank & Kathleen Stevens
We shall all be diminished by your loss, dear joyful Meg. Neither Kathleen nor I can ever comprehend the sorrow your mother and father and your entire loving family are enduring, but we do know their faith in Adam’s and Tim’s strength and love will help us all understand. Please accept our deepest sympathy and regrets that we cannot attend.
Teri A. (Rosamilia) Marchese
Tim, Adam & Stevens Family,
I just learned of Meg’s passing today. I am so deeply moved with sadness. Meg and I attended HVCC together and then worked together at The Children’s Place. As a matter of fact, last time we spoke, we were planning to take a trip back to the Children’s Place to surprise the staff. Though we have kept in touch sporatically all these years, she never told me she was ill. I never knew. I simply never knew. It is an understatement to say that I was shocked to hear the news today. I surely would have been there.
I will remember how we laughed til it hurt and how her smile and disposition could light up a room….and of course, every time I eat cheesecake, I will think of her fondly with a smile.
Adam, she loved you more than life….you are her greatest treasure……i know in time, this will get easier and that you will do her proud! She’s as close as your thoughts……hold onto your memories……they will bring you comfort in the days and years to follow. Know you were loved by the best. Your mom was the best.
Meg, I miss you already…….and I will ever be “gr8ful” for our friendship.
Love Teri
Jeff Hamblen
To Tim, Adam & all of Meg’s family,
It is with deep sympathy i express my sorrow for your loss.
It is with tremendous fondness i recall Meg being a part of my childhood memories. And it is with great admiration i note that
her life had become a fruitful and richly rewarding one. We were
all truly blessed for having known her.
You are all in my prayers. Love Jeff H.