Margaret Tovey Kriesel, 74, died peacefully at home on July 22, 2009. Margaret was born in Oswego to Albert and Frances Tovey and raised in Syracuse by her mother. She graduated from St. Lucy's Academy in 1953. She was a communicant of the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in Syracuse. Margaret was an intelligent, courageous and caring person. Everyone who knew Margaret loved her, and she will be greatly missed. She was married to Harvey Kriesel (deceased), and together they raised five beloved children. She was a wonderful mother and a true lady. Margaret retired from the NY Telephone Co. in 1990 after many years of dedicated service. Famous for her delicious baking, she also enjoyed oil painting, reading, cooking, sewing, working crossword puzzles and spending time with her family. She loved music, art and learning. She enjoyed many family trips to the Adirondacks as well as vacations to Cape Cod; Ocean City; Washington, DC; New Orleans; Virginia; Florida; San Francisco; Atlantic City; London; and Paris. For the past few years of her life, Margaret shared a home with Pat, Al and Teddy dog, who together provided her with gentle, loving care. Surviving are her children, Kathryn (Marc) Jaime of Liverpool, Michele (Patrick) Hurley of Syracuse, Patti (Al) Williams of Syracuse, Christine Flansburg of Liverpool and William (Kelley) Kriesel of Manlius; 13 grandchildren, Matthew Jaime, Erin, Danielle and John Hurley, Patrick, Jason (Laura) and Nichole Williams, David and Jennifer Flansburg, Meghan (Christopher) Kriesel-Do, Katelyn, Michael and Gregory Kriesel; two great-grandchildren, Justin Patrick Bex and Evan Allen Williams; her sister, Marianne (George) Nero of Central Square; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her two brothers, Albert and Robert Tovey. Calling Hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Butler Badman Funeral Home, 4504 W. Seneca Turnpike. Funeral Services: 10 a.m. Monday at Most Holy Rosary Church. Burial: 1 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery, Oswego. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer's Association -Kirkpatrick Day Treatment Program at 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204; Home Aides of CNY at 723 James St., Syracuse, NY 13203; or to Hospice of CNY at 990 7th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088.

Published in Syracuse Post Standard on 7/24/2009