Mary Margaret Dempsey

Mags grew up in West Seneca, attending St. Bonaventure grammar school and Victory Academy. For college she attended Rosary Hill, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and then continued her education at Canisius University where she completed her Master’s degree in Education.

Her teaching career was spent in the Buffalo Public School District, where she taught high school Math at South Park High School. Later in her career, she left the classroom, but remained in the BPS, serving as a coach to other Math teachers in the district.

During Read Across America Day, you could find her dressed as the Cat in the Hat, visiting elementary classrooms to read stories to the younger children! Mags was an active union participant and held positions in the BTF and the Retired Teachers Association. She was a member of the NEA, serving as delegate chair of South Park High School.

Mags was a volleyball official for over 40 years and served many roles including, a NCAA Referee, a member of the NYS Certified Volleyball Officials Association, Western NY Girls Volleyball Association and the World University Games in 1993. To her family, this was all called “volleyball season”. She loved it and continued to work as a ref throughout her retirement, up until this season.

Of Boston, NY suddenly on November 26, 2024, age 70. Loving companion of Merlene Gingher. Daughter of the late Henry and Marie Dempsey. Dear sister of Ann Marie (James) MacIsaac and Patricia (Michael) Lipka. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Family and friends may call on Friday December 6, 2024 from 3-7pm at PERNA, DENGLER, ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 1671 Maple Rd. Williamsville, NY 14221. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday December 7, 2024 at 10am at St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14214. Please assemble at church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com.