Margaret Dianne Galvin

Margaret Dianne (Knapp) Galvin, born August 19, 1932 in Boston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2021, comforted by her children. “Peggy” to her friends, she was the youngest daughter of Margaret (Kelleher) Knapp and Elwin D. Knapp of Marshfield, Massachusetts. Her father was the co-founder of the Knapp Shoe Company with his brother Clarence. Peggy lived in Wellesley Hills as well as the family farm in Framingham and attended Newton Country Day of the Sacred Heart and Newton College of the Sacred Heart. In 1956 Margaret married attorney Vincent Galvin of Boston and they raised their family in Winchester and West Harwich, Massachusetts. In 1980 they moved to a farm in Auburn, New Hampshire where Peggy bred and exhibited champion Morgan horses as well as a menagerie of other farm animals. Peggy and Vincent later retired to Palm Coast, Florida. Following Vincent’s passing in 2012, Peggy lived in California, North Carolina and lastly Palm Beach Gardens, Florida with her daughter Kathy, a nurse who tirelessly cared for her.

Peggy was known for her wit and wisdom and nobody ever had to guess her opinion. She was as comfortable discussing horse breeding as she was reciting Robert Frost. Margaret often confronted what she believed was wrong or an injustice and could be a passionate voice at a New Hampshire town meeting or a Boston Government Square protest. Peggy was multi-talented and could mow and bale hay from a tractor or navigate a boat through the Monomoy and Nantucket rips while Vincent trolled for striped bass. She fondly recalled days on the Knapp family farm in the 1940’s and 1950’s and as an adult she enjoyed farming with Vincent. Peggy dearly loved her sisters, fondly recalled her parents and many adventures growing up, valued the friendships with those whom she held close and adored her children.

Peggy was predeceased by her parents, husband and infant daughter, Elizabeth, as well as her sisters Lois (Schwartz), Elaine (White), half-sister Virginia Knapp and son-in-law Charles Hudson. She is survived by her sister Arlette (McCarthy) of Hingham, Massachusetts and her children, Vincent Galvin (wife, Mary Lyle) of Campbell, California, Mary Kathryn “Kathy” Galvin of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, William Galvin (Lisa) of Holly Springs, North Carolina, Matthew Galvin (Kathy) of Belle Mead, New Jersey and Caroline Hudson Rowley (husband, Pat) of Glens Falls, New York, twelve grandchildren who were her pride and joy, two beautiful great-grandchildren and beloved nieces and nephews.

A Roman Catholic funeral mass and memorial gathering will be held at a later date in Scituate, Massachusetts and Margaret will be interred with Vincent and Elizabeth at New Calvary Cemetery in Boston. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your local SPCA chapter or the Smile Train charity.