Maggie was born and raised in Utica and the surrounding areas. From foster homes to independence, Maggie exhibited remarkable strength from an early age. She was known for sacrifice, selflessness, kindness, and engaging conversations with strangers. Her generous nature knew no bounds, often putting others' needs before her own. Maggie was a devoted mother, who raised her children single-handedly.

She found solace in long drives to the countryside, often accompanied by her beloved late son, Josh, her right-hand man and favorite person in the world. Maggie had a deep love for country music, particularly the classics, and enjoyed playing computer and phone games, despite causing her phone to slow down with the excess. Gathering around the kitchen table over cups of coffee, brought Maggie immense joy. Despite her limited mobility, she eagerly welcomed guests, cherishing every opportunity for fellowship and meaningful conversation.

Her infectious smile lit up any room, and her outgoing personality made her friends easily. Maggie was known to call or video message just to check in, cherishing any moment she received a visitor or spoke on the phone with a family member or friend. Her warm personality endeared her to all who had the pleasure of meeting her. Maggie's vibrant smile illuminated every room she entered, instantly forging bonds of friendship and camaraderie. She took great pride in caring for her granddaughters, often expressing both exasperation and deep affection for them. Maggie's love for her youngest child, Javon, knew no bounds, and she delighted in sharing his accomplishments with anyone who would listen. She would often introduce him to hospital and nursing staff as "the one she was telling them about," inviting them to try his restaurant and exclaiming it was the best. She thought he was just one of the smartest people in the world.

Life presented its challenges to Maggie, from being a single mother to battling health issues, including breast cancer and heart complications. Despite these hardships, Maggie persevered, showing up every day to care for her two granddaughters, whom she cherished dearly. In her final months, Maggie resided at The Pines in Utica. Even in her illness, Maggie maintained a gracious and loving spirit, earning praise from hospital and nursing staff for her resilience and positivity in light of her physical circumstances.

Maggie's legacy is one of strength, kindness, graciousness, selflessness, and unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. In her last year, Maggie found immense joy in her beloved grandchild, Jubilee, whom she cherished and showered with affection endlessly. She also looked forward with excitement to the upcoming arrival of her first great-grandchild, reveling in the idea of her family growing even more filled with love.

Maggie leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion that will forever live on in the hearts of her children, Ryan, Heather, Javon, and his wife Grace; her cherished grandchildren, Angelique, Loyalty, Eviana, Charity, Ryan, Precious, Jubilee, and Hosanna; her sisters: Patricia Smith, Joyce Pratt, and Mary Ann Grimes; and a host of nieces and nephews, whom she adored.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Pines, the Utica Fire Department, and local EMTs, for their compassionate care and support during Maggie's final year and months; gratitude for her roommate at the Pines, Phoebe, who looked after her; a special thank you to Pastor Aaron and his wife, Heidi, for their comforting visits in the hospital or nursing home and the comfort of their prayers to which she looked forward; and finally, a very special thank you is reserved for Maggie's live-in nurse and granddaughter, Loyalty, whose caring and selfless demeanor can only be compared to her grandmother's. Thank you, Loyalty.

In honoring Mag's memory, let us carry forward her legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering selflessness. Her presence will be deeply missed, but, forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Let us rejoice in the thought of her reuniting with her cherished son, Josh.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and celebration of life on Friday evening, March 29, 2024, at 5:00, at Adrean Funeral Service, Inc., 700 Rutger St., corner of Mohawk St., Utica (at the Matt Funeral Home).

Interment will take place in Forest Hill at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Adrean Funeral Service, Inc.