Ashland – Margaret M. (McCabe) O'Brien died peacefully on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, following a period of declining health.

Peggy was born in South Boston on July 2, 1926 to Thomas and Margaret (Quinlan) McCabe.  She was a graduate of Gate of Heaven High School. Peggy had fond memories of her early years in South Boston especially her time spent on the beach and at the Neighborhood House. She had wonderful childhood friends with whom she remained close throughout the years.

In 1948, Peggy married the love of her life, William H. O'Brien, also of South Boston and shortly thereafter the young couple moved to Ashland. She was the loving mother of David O'Brien (Mary Alice) of Ashland, William O'Brien of Ashland, Mary Flood (Wayne), of Framingham, Robert O'Brien of Medway, John O'Brien (June) of Ashland, and Ann Chipman (Thomas) of Holliston. Peggy was the devoted grandmother to thirteen grandchildren and the great-grandmother to six great-grandchildren. Despite the number, she never forgot a birthday or grandchild's special event.

A woman of great faith, she was an active parishioner of St. Cecilia Parish. She worked for the Ashland Board of Health and was also a local realtor. An active, social person, Peg loved being with her friends and enjoyed golfing and playing cards and Scrabble at the Ashland Senior Center.

Peggy was predeceased by her husband William H. O'Brien, her sisters and brothers: Mary Manning, Catherine Dunn, Thomas McCabe Jr., Robert McCabe and her twin Edward McCabe. She is survived by her sister-in-law Sheila McCabe of Canton. Peggy also leaves many nieces and nephews who were very special to her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cecilia Church 54 Esty St., Ashland, on Monday March 15 at 10:15 a.m. Burial will follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland.

Visiting hours for family and friends are Sunday March 14 from 3: p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main Street Ashland.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peggy's name to St. Cecilia Parish 54 Esty St. Ashland Ma 01721 or Town of Ashland Senior Center 162 West Union St. Ashland. MA 01721

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