DOYLESTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - Margaret Ann Leary formerly of Glen Rock, NJ died peacefully Thursday February 27, 2014 at Pine Run Lakeview personal care in Doylestown, PA. She was 86.

She was the widow of retired Naval Cdr. William Gillette Leary. Beloved as a wife, mother, grandmother, mentor, and friend she enjoyed a rich professional career as a singer, actress, and vocal teacher.

Born in Flint, Michigan the daughter of the late Hilda (Wyman) Darnton and Samuel Piffer, she began studying voice at the age of 14. Her studies continued at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and then in NYC where she debuted at New York' s Carnegie Recital Hall and was a runner-up in the Metropolitan Opera auditions in 1954. As a dramatic soprano she performed widely in the NY metropolitan area as a soloist.

Her many accolades include this quote:

"The outstanding characteristic of a musical by Margaret Leary is the extraordinary warmth and intense beauty she injects into her singing. Whether it is a light hearted whimsical program or one of a serious academic nature, she seems to delight in ...just making music."

She married in 1955 and traveled with her husband to Chicago & then London where he was stationed in the Navy for 4 years. Upon return to the US they settled in Glen Rock, NJ where they raised 2 daughters and Margaret' s professional career grew.

Margaret also delved successfully into acting beginning with childrens theatre and summer stock. She continued to enjoy a variety of roles in; musical theatre, Broadway, off Broadway, and dinner theatre productions, as well as in films and on television. She kept memberships in AEA, SAG, AFTRA, and NATS.

In addition to singing and acting she also began a vocal studio in her home where she taught for 41 years. As rewarding as her performing career was she loved to teach, and was quoted in a newspaper article as saying:

"I m absolutely fascinated - you not only see a voice blossom you are able to see the person blossom as he studies."

Her studio was an ever changing mix of students, professional singers and actors, and adults who just loved to sing. Many studied with her for a decade or more and many became her friend as well. She will truly be missed by the scores of people whose lives she touched and influenced.

Mrs. Leary is survived by her daughters, Sara Weber (Paul) of Doylestown, PA and Louisa Farrow (Luther) of Nashville, NC, and 5 adored grandchildren; Carolyn, Bill, Elizabeth, Tommy, and Jason. She is also survived by her sister Linda Carey (William) of Traverse City, MI and a number of nieces and nephews.

Margaret will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with her husband where a private graveside service will held.

In addition, there will be a celebration of life gathering for family, friends, and former students to be held at Ossy's Café, 160 Lincoln Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ 07506 on Sunday, April 6th at 1 pm. Please RSVP to Sara Weber at TigerKnoll@aol.com or cell (215) 530-4254 by Saturday, March 29th. Please condolences to www.varcoethomasfuneralhome.com

If desired, contributions may be made in Margaret' s memory to Doylestown Hospital Hospice, Development Office, 595 West State Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 www.dh.org the Glen Rock Public Library, 315 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 www.glenrock.bccls.org or a charity of the donor' s choice.

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