June 29, 2024, 86, Goldsboro —
Marguerite “Maggie” McFadden, 86, of Goldsboro, NC died on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Goldsboro Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center surrounded by her children and caretaker, Judy Riddick. Maggie will always be remembered for her vibrant spirit, generosity, and dedication to her family.
Born, May 12, 1938, in Poughkeepsie, NY to parents Louis and Genevieve (Secor) Balogh. Maggie graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1956. She received a full scholarship and attended Vassar Brothers Hospital School of Nursing in Poughkeepsie and graduated as a Registered Nurse in Jan. 1960.
She married Philip Magnarella on Nov. 28, 1959, and shortly afterward they moved to Buffalo, NY where she worked at the Children’s Hospital there. A few years later they moved back to Poughkeepsie, and she went to work at Vassar Brothers Hospital before finding her calling in geriatrics. She went on to work for Central Dutchess Nursing Home and became the Director of Nurses for over 20 years.
In May 1993 she married Allen McFadden Sr. in Poughkeepsie, NY. After retiring, she enjoyed gardening, baking, crafting, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Eventually moving to Goldsboro, NC to be near her son and his family and escape the snowy NY winters.
Goldsboro seemed to suit her. When she wasn’t spending time with her family, or visiting with friends, you could find her shopping for flowers or working in her garden. She was always looking for a way to help others and pay it forward. She would pay for the person’s order in front of her or donate to the food pantry or animal shelter, always finding a way to brighten somebody else’s day!
In the years before Covid, they cruised around the world! Visiting Alaska, and many countries throughout Europe, Antarctica, Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, and South America.
She’s survived by her children, Deanna Hunter and her husband, Kris of Hewitt, NJ, her son, Mark and his wife, Alexandrea of Goldsboro, NC and her daughter, Christine LeRoy and her husband, Edward of Hyde Park, NY. Her grandchildren, Heather Brenner, Monica Hunter, Sara Hunter, Vincent Magnarella, Morgan Magnarella, Robert Scott, and his wife, Erica and Dylan Scott. And her great-grandchildren, Demi Fernando, and her husband, Julian, Levi Gerule, Isaac Contreras, and Rose Contreras.
She loved to laugh and we will always remember all the fun we had together, even if it was just sitting around her kitchen table talking and laughing. We were so lucky to have her in our lives.
There will be no calling hours in Goldsboro. A graveside memorial service is being planned in Poughkeepsie, NY Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude for Children or simply find a way to pay it forward.
The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
