Margaret “Peggy” Clancy, age 92, entered eternal rest on Saturday (Jan. 3, 2026) at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Hornell, NY, Peggy was the eldest of nine children born to the late Robert and Margaret Haley. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Leo Clancy; her cherished granddaughter, Lauren Clancy; her brothers Robert, Thomas, Lawrence, and Joseph Haley; her sisters, Patricia Thompson and Eleachea Buono; and her sisters-in-law, Ruth Haley and Sybil Haley. She was also predeceased by her parents-in-law, Edward and Florence Clancy; her brothers-in-law, Edward and Thomas Clancy and James O’Connor; and her sisters-in-law, Barbara Scott Clancy, Mary Francis Clancy, and Barbara Clancy.
Peggy graduated from Hornell High School in 1951 and went on to St. James School of Nursing, graduating in 1954. She devoted more than 57 years to the nursing profession, dedicating her life to the care of others with compassion, strength, and grace. Her distinguished career culminated at the Bath VA Medical Center, where she proudly served as Head Nurse of the Intensive Care Unit prior to her retirement.
In 1956, Peggy married the “boy next door,” John Leo Clancy. Together, they built a loving home and raised a beautiful family that remained the center of Peggy’s life. Family was her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.
She is survived by her loving children: John (Shelly), Michael, Theresa, Susan (David), Mary, and Mitch (Dora); her 20 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom she deeply loved and treasured. She is also survived by her brothers, Spike (Karen) Haley and Timothy (Sharon) Haley; her brother-in-law, Richard Clancy; her sisters-in-law, Mary O’Connor and Sandra Haley; and many nieces and nephews.
Peggy was truly a force of nature, resilient, kind, and unwaveringly strong. She met life’s challenges with determination and grace, and her wisdom, love, and steadfast support shaped generations of family and friends.
Her legacy lives on not only through her family, but also through her many passions, including tending her beautiful flower gardens, cooking, baking, sewing, and quilting, a reflection of her care, creativity, and generous spirit.
Peggy was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a devoted communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell.
She will be remembered always for her selfless heart, her quiet strength, and the deep love she shared with all who were blessed to know her.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Tammy Donovan for the wonderful care she gave to Peggy; also, Misty Moore and Allegany Hospice
To honor her wishes there will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. FRIDAY (Jan. 9, 2026). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to St. Ann’s Academy, P.O. Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Peggy’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Peggy are welcome at bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
