Margaret McKeon, 76, died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 21 in Carmel with her loving husband Sandy by her side to the end.

She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Aloys and Katherine Weimar on Dec. 2, 1935. She grew up in Jackson Heights, N.Y. with her parents and her sister Marie. After high school, she became a Registered Nurse.

Always up for an adventure, she traveled to Europe in 1957. She worked as a nurse for the U.S. Army Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany. There, she caught the eye of Lt. Alexander ‘Sandy’ McKeon and they were soon married. In 1959 the newlyweds made their home in California.

The McKeon ranch on Warnerville Road in Oakdale has been a haven for their eight children, friends, and travelers from all over the world.

Mrs. McKeon had a passion for life and was interested in art, literature, history and collecting antiques. She and her husband especially enjoyed traveling together in the U.S. and abroad.

She was deeply spiritual and inspired many with her devotion to God. Over the years she was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church as an educator, lecturer and Eucharistic minister. She will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Alexander ‘Sandy’ McKeon; children, Mia (Jon) Gregoriev, Frances (Muffie) McKeon, Margot Grych, Anne (Don) Anderson, Alex (Lia) McKeon, Meghan (Terry) Ferg, Christopher (Shelby) McKeon, Caitlin (Josh) Robertson; sister, Marie Kussmaul of Spartanburg, S.C; and 15 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A rosary vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 26 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1225 Olive Ave., Oakdale. A Christian Mass of Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 27, also at the church. Reception to follow at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club, 243 N. Stearns Road, Oakdale. Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating her life.

Remembrances may be made in her memory to the Carmelite Sisters, 27601 Highway 1, Carmel, CA 95923.