Margaret Lacey

Margaret “Maggie” Lacey, 99, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2026, under the loving care of her family and Hospice. She missed celebrating her 100th birthday by just a couple of months, but her remarkable life was filled with nearly a century of love, adventure, accomplishments, and cherished memories.

Maggie was born in El Paso, Texas, the only child of Joseph Lundy Rucks and Jimmie Delora (Russell) Rucks. She grew up in her hometown and, following her graduation from Stephen Austin High School, attended a USO dance for American servicemen stationed at Fort Bliss during World War II. There she met First Lieutenant Sy Garber, and a romance soon blossomed. They married during the war and later moved to New York City, where Sy had been born and raised. There they welcomed two children, Bruce Kevin Garber (Cathy), now of Westfield, Indiana, and Janet Robertson (Colin) of Nokomis, Florida.

After 14 years of marriage, their paths eventually took different directions, ending in an amicable divorce. Following nearly a decade as a working single mother, Maggie found love again when she married William C. “Bill” Lacey. In her own words, “He was the sweetest, greatest, and most loving husband any gal could wish for.” They shared 46 glorious years together before Bill's passing.

During her time in New York, Maggie had built an impressive career in advertising, beginning with an entry-level position at Benton & Bowles in New York City. Her exceptional multitasking and people skills soon led to a position as a television commercial production assistant. Working with both local and nationally renowned talent opened the door to the advertising industry's casting world. She joined the larger and more prestigious Compton Advertising Agency on Madison Avenue, where she spent the next 26 years.

For much of that time, Maggie served as Director of Casting. Following Compton's merger with worldwide advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi, she became a vice president of casting. During her career, she was also a member of American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT). Maggie's professional accomplishments reflected her talent, determination, and ability to thrive in a challenging and dynamic industry.

Upon retiring from advertising in 1987, Maggie and Bill moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, where they embraced an active social and community life. They enjoyed the friendships and activities of the Isles Yacht Club and Twin Lakes Country Club and devoted time to philanthropic endeavors through the local Rotary Club and Philharmonic fundraising activities.

Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down for Maggie. She joined the staff of the local Sun Herald newspaper and created its first social column, aptly titled “Maggie.” Her full-page, Sunday color feature showcased photographs and stories about events throughout Charlotte County. The Laceys also loved to travel, and their adventures became the subject of another column Maggie wrote for the newspaper. What began as a one-year trial assignment turned into a 16-year post-retirement career that she loved every bit as much as her years in advertising.

Later in life, Maggie and Bill faced significant health challenges and found themselves in a nursing home. Together, they made the decision to relocate to Bloomington, Indiana, to be closer to family. Their health improved, allowing them to enjoy several more years together. Bill passed away in June 2014, and Maggie spent her later years at Meadowood Retirement Community, where she was surrounded by friends and had family close by. She was happy and well cared for, although she never stopped missing her wonderful Bill.

Maggie is survived by her children, Bruce and Jan; Bill's daughters, Barbara Dowling (Tom) and Pat Cohan (Dennis), all of Kissimmee, Florida, and Debbie McNiff (Brian) of Kernersville, North Carolina; their children and grandchildren; her granddaughter, Jennifer Vulpetti (Joe) of Bellmore, New York, and their children; and step-grandsons Clint Richardson (Ali) and Curt Richardson (Celeste) of Carmel and Westfield, Indiana, and their children.

Maggie leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, professional achievement, friendship, and a wonderful zest for life. She was a woman who embraced new opportunities, built a career she loved, and found joy in the people and experiences around her.

We take comfort in imagining that Maggie and her beloved Bill are together, once again dancing to Moon River.