Margaret Louise McKee

Margaret Louise "Maggie" McKee lived a life defined by her fierce independence, unwavering honesty, and deep devotion to family. Born on March 20, 1946, in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Myrtle and Michael Toth, immigrants who instilled in their daughter the values of hard work and speaking one's mind without reservation.

Maggie's early years in the rolling hills of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, shaped her direct manner and resilient spirit. She grew up in an era when women were expected to be seen and not heard, yet Maggie possessed what would become her trademark "feisty spirit" and "quick wit" that would define her interactions throughout her life. Her unfiltered honesty, delivered with humor that could catch people off guard, became legendary among family and friends.

Sometime in her adult years, Maggie made the journey from Pennsylvania to Ohio, settling in the Mahoning County community of Boardman. It was there that she would build her career and find her life's greatest joy in motherhood. On December 19, 1985, she married Robert McKee, beginning a partnership that would span decades until his death preceded hers.

Maggie's professional life centered around public service in her adopted hometown. She dedicated over two decades to Boardman Township, serving as Secretary to the Civil Service Board. Her colleagues recognized her contributions with a commemorative plaque in December 2011, acknowledging her 22 years of faithful service. She retired in 2006, having witnessed the growth and evolution of her community through her work in local government.

But it was as a mother that Maggie found her truest calling and greatest pride. She raised three daughters who would carry forward her strength and determination: Staci Waters, who made her home in Sacramento, California with her husband Chris; Gina Calpin, who remained close by in Boardman with her husband Jim; and Leah Vestal, who settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband Dave. Each daughter inherited aspects of their mother's spirited nature, though perhaps tempered with a bit more diplomacy.

Maggie's role as grandmother brought her immense joy. She delighted in her four grandchildren: Tyler Calpin and Kelsey Calpin (who married Patrick Hagy), both children of Gina and Jim; Katelyn Vestal, daughter of Leah and Dave; and Zack Horn. She watched with pride as they grew into young adults, always ready with her characteristic blend of wisdom and wit.

Throughout her life, Maggie maintained diverse interests that reflected both her practical nature and creative spirit. In her younger years, she found peace in gardening, nurturing plants with the same care she devoted to her family. She also expressed herself through painting, creating works that captured her unique perspective on the world around her. As she aged, her hobbies evolved to include crocheting, where her skilled hands created beautiful pieces for family members. She also developed a fascination with true crime documentaries, perhaps drawn to the puzzle-solving aspect and the quest for truth that mirrored her own straightforward approach to life.

Maggie's capacity for love extended beyond her human family to include her beloved dog, Runtz, whose death she mourned deeply. This grief spoke to her tender heart, which existed alongside her tough exterior—a reminder that her sharp tongue often masked a deeply caring nature.

In her final years, as her health declined, Maggie was surrounded by the family she had devoted her life to nurturing. Her daughter Gina and son-in-law Jim provided devoted care, demonstrating the love and respect she had earned through decades of selfless giving. When her condition required professional assistance, she received compassionate care from Shepherd of the Valley, where staff members undoubtedly came to appreciate her unique personality and direct communication style.

Margaret "Maggie" McKee passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, at the age of 80, after a long illness. Her death marked the end of an era for those who knew her—the loss of someone who could always be counted on to tell the truth, offer a laugh when needed, and provide unwavering support to those she loved. Her legacy lives on in her three daughters, four grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched through her work in public service and her authentic approach to relationships.