Marguerite E. “Margi” (Keaney) Ryder, 86, a lifelong resident of Framingham died peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at her home surrounded by family after a brave battle with metastatic melanoma. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late William and Marguerite (Carron) Keaney, sister of Alice-Marie Dill of Highland Beach, FL, and the late Jack and David Keaney. She was the loving wife of the late Stephen C. Ryder for 57 years.
Voted “Most Versatile” in her 1957 graduating class at Framingham High, she was a cheerleader and class treasurer. She went on to earn a BS in Education at Framingham State College where she remained active in alumni affairs and on a textbook scholarship committee. After a brief stint in Amherst, NH, she taught for Framingham Public Schools throughout her career, most notably at Barbieri Elementary, for 13 years as a first, second, and third-grade teacher. Known for her enthusiasm, school-spirit, and organization, Mrs. Ryder was treasured by fellow faculty and students alike. She imparted the gift of reading and a curiosity of learning to countless students through her structured and meticulous lesson planning and pep. After an early retirement to care for her mother and husband, a heart-transplant recipient, Margi continued to work part-time as a substitute at Barbieri and Title I teacher at St. Bridget School. She was a decades-long member of the Framingham Heart Study, and a fundraiser for several charities, including Friends of the “Retarded” and the American Heart Association.
A devout Catholic and active parishioner, she served both the school and church community with her signature smile and can-do attitude as a choir member, CCD teacher, Eucharistic Minister and Food Pantry helper. She could often be found at morning Mass, convening with “church ladies” over coffee, visiting the sick, or just “running around helping people,” the activity she said she would miss doing most. Her kindness and warmth made her a good friend to many, patient listener, great neighbor, and friendly stranger. She lived life with a full cup brimming with the light of the Holy Spirit which she revered and shone. She prayed continuously and said at least one rosary a day for the souls of the departed and the living in need. Her compassion and innate sweetness allowed for forgiveness and always giving people the benefit of the doubt. Her faith, especially during her illness, was an inspiration and comfort to those she held dear and she forever held the possibility of a miracle in her heart, and a simple wooden cross in her hand.
Margi loved spending time on the Cape in Falmouth where she was an avid gardener, beach-goer, athletic competitor (swimming and diving in her teens and playing tennis and golf in her adult life), and spirited game-player. She belonged to the “Domino Divas,” a group of close friends who played Mexican Train every Wednesday. She loved hosting and holidays, her beloved pets, vacations with friends, Boston Sports Teams and spectating, especially at the games of her grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her Mima as did many of their friends who admired her zest and constant presence at games and in their lives. Many people aspired to be like her, dancing at weddings, staying up late, and living life to the fullest.
Margi found the greatest joy in her family. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Christine (Ryder) Lessing, and son-in-law Aaron Lessing, of Framingham, her “four loves,” grandchildren Shea (Lessing) Kropman, and her husband Caleb Kropman, Ryder Lessing, and his fiancé Jessica Poirier, and Maire and Trey Lessing. She is also survived by her two great-grandchildren, Elijah and Scarlett, her sister, Alice-Marie “Sissy” Dill, a stepsister Joan Perrine of Oaks Bluffs, MA, nieces and nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends, including Gretchen “Gigi” Darvin Patricia “Pat” Ghilani, and Mike Otenti.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Margi’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St. Framingham on Tuesday February 3 rd from 4-7PM. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Bridget Church, 830 Worcester Rd. Framingham on Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in St. Stephen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margi’s name to: St. Bridget Parish, 15 Wheeler Ave., Framingham 01702, or the Framingham State University Student Scholarship Fund, https://bit.ly/FSUDonations
To share a memory with Margi’s family, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com
Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home