Margaret Leonard Gillespie

Margaret (Maggie) Leonard Gillespie

October 16, 1940 – October 20, 2025

Margaret “Maggie” Leonard Gillespie, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born in the Bronx, New York, to Irish immigrant parents Hubert and Anna Leonard, Maggie was one of eight children in a lively and loving household. The Leonard family eventually settled in Rutherford, New Jersey, where Maggie attended St. Mary’s Catholic High School.

Maggie is preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Anna Leonard; her brothers Hubert Leonard Jr., Martin (Sonny) Leonard, John Leonard; and her sister Theresa McQuillen. She is survived by her cherished sister Agnes McNeilly, and brothers Patrick (Lynn) and Thomas (Patty) Leonard.

On April 28, 1962, Maggie married the love of her life, Richard Paul Gillespie, Sr. Together they built a beautiful life and raised three children — Robyn Gillespie (Betsy Weatherford), Richard Gillespie Jr. (Kay Holdtich), and James Gillespie Sr. (Marie Bird Gillespie). Her two grandsons, James Jr. (Jimmy) and Robert (Bobby), were the absolute light of her life.

Maggie was happiest surrounded by family and friends. She poured her heart into raising her children and took great joy in caring for nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and countless others who were lucky enough to fall under her wing. She loved all things Dr. Seuss, Disney, and Hallmark Channel — and her zest for life shone through in every celebration she touched.

A gifted cook and hostess, Maggie made Sunday dinners and holidays unforgettable. She delighted in planning parties, family picnics, and sending greeting cards for every occasion imaginable — or simply to brighten someone’s day. It’s fair to say she singlehandedly kept the U.S. Postal Service thriving for over eight decades.

Christmas was especially magical for Maggie. She loved finding the perfect gifts and filling stockings with thoughtful treasures — opening one from Maggie was always a moment of wonder.

She also had a lifelong love of musical theater, a passion she shared with her best friend since high school, Beth Fowler. Watching Beth shine on stage, especially as Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, filled Maggie with pride and joy.

Maggie lived with kindness, humor, and heart. Two of her favorite quotes perfectly capture her spirit:“Don’t look back — you’re not going that way.” – Mary Engelbreit“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss

A celebration of Maggie’s life will be announced in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA)

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA)

https://www.choa.org/donors-and-volunteers/tribute-giving

Alzheimer's Association

https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNQZNCYXKB&lang=en-US