Margaret 'Peggy' Mangiapane

Margaret (Peggy) Mangiapane of Groveland, MA, passed away August 17, 2025 surrounded by family and love.

Born January 27, 1950, at Boston City Hospital, Peggy was the first of six children to Ross and Ettie Mangiapane. As the oldest, she often took on a caregiver role, helping raise her siblings with a mix of love, leadership, and humor. The family moved around the country before settling in Burlington, MA, where Peggy became captain of the cheerleading squad at Burlington High School. She later attended UMass Amherst, earning a degree in Math and making lifelong friends who would remain constants in her life.

Peggy’s adventurous spirit showed itself early. After a summer on Nantucket, she set off for Europe with friends, eventually living in Munich where she worked as a key punch operator, practiced her German, and—when she occasionally missed curfew—spent the night under the stars in a park. She later began her career at Raytheon, but her love for people outweighed her interest in computers. That shift eventually led to a lifetime of teaching and inspiring others.

It was around this time that Peggy met Mike Riley through a math tutoring ad. They became friends first, but their bond quickly grew into the most magical, love-filled partnership. Peggy’s adventurous heart convinced her to buy a giant green Chevy van and set out with sisters and friends across the country. In Los Angeles, she picked up Mike, and somewhere between Disneyland’s teacup ride and sunrises on the drive back to Boston, they fell in love.

Peggy and Mike went on to build a life rooted in love, laughter, and adventure. Together, they traveled through Central and South America, lived and taught in Ecuador for six months, and were married there before returning to Massachusetts to start a family. They eventually settled in Groveland, MA, raising three children—Sonja, Dan, and Misha—in a home filled with warmth and fun. Peggy homeschooled her children during their early years, tutored, taught adult education, and ultimately became a high school math teacher—a career that reflected her gift for connecting with people and encouraging them to see their own potential.

If you met Peggy, you had a friend. She had an extraordinary ability to form bonds and maintain them—through phone calls, visits, Christmas cards, or simply showing up when you needed her most. She created community wherever she went, whether among her neighbors, her colleagues, or her lifelong circle of friends.

Peggy will be remembered for her love, her laughter, and her sly sense of humor. She was a giver in every sense, always thinking of others before herself, the best gift-giver, and the most thoughtful planner of birthdays and celebrations. Her independence shaped not just her own life, but the lives of those around her. She built the life she dreamed of, filled with love, adventure, family, and friendship—and in doing so, gave the greatest gift to those she leaves behind.

Peggy is survived by her husband and true partner in life, Mike Riley; their three children, Sonja, Dan, and Misha; and three grandchildren, Isla, Asher, and Azul. She also leaves behind her siblings Cindi, Lori, Sandi, and David; her beloved sister-in-law Patty; and her large extended family and countless friends whose lives were brighter because of her. Peggy is reunited with her parents, Ross and Ettie, and her brother Steven.

Her light will continue to guide those she leaves behind. As her family, we are forever grateful for the life she created and shared with us.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 3rd, from 4:00–6:00 p.m at Veasey Memorial Park, 201 Washington Street, Groveland, MA 01834, for friends to pay their respects and share condolences with the family. A private celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 4th, for close family and friends by invitation.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's association. Peg's kids and grandchildren will be participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer's to continue to fight in her honor.

Arrangments made by Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 South Main Street, Haverhill MA. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com

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