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Margaret Ellen Raynor
Margaret Ellen Raynor, known by many as “Peggy,” died suddenly on May 27 at her home in North Sea. She was 66.
Her death was unexpected and shocking for all who knew and loved her, her family said.
She was the sixth child of Marie Halyburton Raynor (Holly) and Evremonde John Raynor (Pete). Born and raised in Southampton, she attended Sacred Hearts School followed by Mercy High School in Riverhead. She received a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York, Oswego in 1979.
Her career in insurance and banking took her to several cities and eventually to Birmingham, Alabama, where she spent many years with her husband, Frank Pass, who predeceased her. While in Birmingham, she received an MBA from the University of Alabama.
During those years she was an active kayaker, participating in races and events across the South. Kayaking was her passion, her family said, and her paddling friends were her support and her enjoyment.
Throughout her adult life, Raynor dealt with mental health issues that were generally controlled by medication. Though dealing with her disability was never easy, her family said, she maintained the same sweet demeanor throughout her life, rarely complaining, and always attentive to others. She has long been an advocate for mental health awareness and better mental health care.
About 15 years ago, she returned to Southampton to be closer to family and to help care for her aging parents. Following their deaths, she remained living in the family home on Noyac Road, a regular and welcomed presence at Raynor family gatherings. A sweet aunt, sister and friend, loved by many, her family said, she will be missed.
She is survived by six sisters and brothers, Kathleen Raynor Wik of Auburndale, Florida, Deborah Raynor Schultz of Bremerton, Washington, Barbara Raynor of Wilmington, North Carolina, and John Raynor, David Raynor and Michael Raynor, all of Southampton; 17 nieces and nephews; and 17 grandnieces and grandnephews.
Family and friends will gather at the O’Connell Rothwell Funeral Home in Southampton on Monday, June 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at Sacred Hearts Church in Southampton on Tuesday, June 6, at 10:30 a.m., followed by burial in Sacred Hearts Cemetery.
Staff Writer on Jun 2, 2023