Obituary of Margaret M. Romand

Albany, NY – Romand, Margaret “Maggie” - Margaret (deGonzague) Romand,80, of Colonie, died peacefully, May 16, 2018, with her son and daughter, and feline companions, Tami and Angel, at her side. Born in Nassau, NY, Margaret was the daughter of the late Loretta (Lachance) and Antonio deGonzague. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph, of 53 years.

She lived much of her life in Colonie. She is a 1955 graduate of Cathedral Academy. Maggie also enjoyed design classes at HVCC and coursework at SCCC. She served in administrative or executive assistant roles for HANYS, CHP, CDPHP, and St. Peter's Hospital, and as office manager for Early Childhood Education Center and RMI.  

Her favorite vacation destinations were Rockport, Mass., Stamford, Conn., and Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Her greatest joys in life were her family and pets. She will be remembered for these, her faith, creativity and adventurous spirit. Her pastimes included water aerobics, roller skating, snow shoeing, reading, book club, and in the past year, hiking with acquaintances and friends from S.O.S. She was competitive with family and friends at Scrabble, Pinochle and Bocce. She had a passion for gardening and garden design. She was invited to join the Blue Creek Garden Club, as a self-taught herb gardening enthusiast. She served a short time in the Club, and in Spring 1986 directed the club in the selection of plants and planting of the Pruyn House Herb Garden, enjoying her work with the late John Faddegon.  There, Maggie spent hours lovingly planting herbs and laying brick for the garden paths. She served three years on the Pruyn House Board as Chairperson of the Herb Garden.  

A favorite memory was playing piano with her brother Philip, as teens, on the radio and at various elite Albany social gatherings for their music teacher, Mrs. I. Watson Betts. 

Maggie was an extraordinary caregiver for her daughter and late husband through their cancer journeys. She participated with them in American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life and accompanied them to the ACS CAN (Cancer Action Network) Celebration on the Hill lobbying event in Washington, D.C. 

She is predeceased by her siblings Theresa Ouellette, Claire Dillon, Loretta Dashnaw, Rita Ostrowidzki, brother Philip deGonzague, and twin brothers Joe and Leo deGonzague, and sisters-and brothers-in-law. 

She was the loving mother of Deacon Joseph A. (Tracey) of Colonie; and daughter, Denise, of Saratoga Springs. She was the proud grandmother of Brian (Chrisann) of Niskayuna, Andrew of Las Vegas, and Meaghan Romand of Colonie; great-grandmother of Autumn Flannery. She is survived by several cousins, including Marylyn deGonzague who devoted her loving care, compassion and friendship in the greatest time of need. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Carolyn deGonzague, Joan Carruthers, and brother Leo’s companion, Dottie, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews of the deGonzague and Romand families, all who she cared for deeply.  Her nieces Rosemary Meleco and Alicia Rubin provided wonderful companionship, support and humor throughout their lives. Nephew Don LaQue’s regular visits and handyman expertise were greatly appreciated. 

The family wishes to thank Community Hospice, especially Chaplain Cylon George, and the doctors and staff at Peter’s Cancer Care Center. 

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 29, at University Parish of Christ Sun of Justice. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Calling hours will be at the church from 9 – 10:45 a.m.  Inurnment will be at The Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871, at 2:30 p.m. sharp.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Maggie in a special way may make a memorial contribution to:  The Rensselaer Newman Foundation Matching Campaign,  https://chapelandculturalcenter.net/give-back/,American Cancer Society HopeClub of the Capital Region, One Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110 or Whiskers, Animal Benevolent League, Whiskers, P.O. Box 11190, Albany, NY 12211, www.ewhiskers.com.