Margaret C. Lillie

Margaret C. Lillie, lovingly known as “Miss Margaret” to so many whose lives she touched, peacefully passed away in the comfort of her home on September 10, 2026.

Born on September 11, 1946, to the late John and Virginia (nee: Schwartz) Coney, Margaret was raised in South Philadelphia. A dedicated and gifted educator, she spent many years teaching at Trinity Lutheran School, where she was loved and respected by generations of students and their families. Teaching was much more than a profession to Margaret—it was a calling. Known affectionately as Miss Margaret,” she took great pride in educating, encouraging, and caring for her students, leaving a lasting impression on countless young lives.

Away from the classroom, Margaret was a huge Phillies fan who loved cheering on her hometown team. She also enjoyed cooking for her family, and her chicken cutlets were always a favorite. Nothing brought her greater happiness than having her family together and caring for the people she loved.

A woman of faith, Margaret had a special devotion to St. Anthony, whom she could always be counted on to call upon whenever something went missing. Her faith was a source of comfort and strength throughout her life.

Margaret will be remembered as a selfless, loving, caring, and generous mother and Nanny. Strong in her love and steadfast in her devotion, she would do anything for her family. Her greatest pride was found in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and the love she gave them will remain an enduring part of her legacy.

She was the beloved mother of Janine (Chris) Dougherty, Matthew Lillie, and the late Andrew Lillie. She was the dearest Nanny of Andrew Lillie Jr., Zachary Lillie, Marisa Dougherty, Brian Dougherty, Danielle (fiancé Esteban Perez) Lillie and Hailey-Jade Lillie, and cherished Great-Nan of Andrew Lillie III, Peyton Lillie, and Oaklyn Perez.

Margaret was the loving sister of Virginia Daniero and Cecilia Coney-Bright, and the late John, Bernard, Patrick, Michael, and James Coney. She will also be sadly missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, former students, and all those fortunate enough to have known “Miss Margaret.”

Relatives, friends, former students, and their families are invited to gather on Thursday evening, September 17, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 PM at the Murphy Ruffenach Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Home, 3rd & Wolf Streets. Religious Services will begin at 8:00 PM.

Miss Margaret spent her life teaching lessons both inside and outside the classroom—lessons of kindness, generosity, faith, and the importance of family. Her classroom may now be quiet, but the lessons she taught and the lives she touched will carry her memory forward for generations.