Obituaries

Margaret C. “Judy” Mahler

Margaret C. “Judy” Mahler passed away Monday, March 27, 2023, holding her two daughter’s hands, at Riverside Regional Medical Center.

A lifelong resident of Newport News, she was a 1959 graduate of Warwick High School. Judy retired from Newport News Public Schools after 34 years of service. She taught World Geography at Newport News Intermediate, and had been a Reading Specialist, Assistant Principal, and Principal at the middle school level. At the time of her retirement, she was the supervisor of student discipline.

Judy was always civic-minded and served her community through many organizations. She had served as president of The Junior Women’s Club of Warwick, president of the Newport News Reading Council, and president of the Omicron Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma as well as serving as President of the Peninsula Coordination Council of Delta Kappa Gamma. Judy has always been an avid reader and in her retirement, she would average a book a day. Next time you finish a book think of Judy.

She was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Scott Mahler. Judy is survived by her two daughters, Maggie Knight and husband David, and Samantha Mahler and wife Jenny Slocum. She is also survived by her brother Mike Pilgrim as well as a number of other family members including Sam Mahler, Jr. and his wife Mary. Her beloved German Shepherd Zena will continue to guard over her family at her daughter’s home.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity.

14 Comments

  1. Jenny Brittingham Roche

    A beautiful heart serves others, and loves energy is eternal. I am humbled by you Mom’s choice to help so many in her community. What an extended life. It matters how we treat one another. Her kindness will leave a lasting ripple effect. Our thoughts and prayers are with your dear family, and Sam and Maggie I am especially holding you close in my heart.

    I am reading “An Immense World” by Ed Yong, and just wrote on the last page, “Thanks Judy ❤” I will think of her. Sending my love, one from the neighborhood, Jenny (Brittingham)

  2. Tracy Grady

    Maggie, Sam and family I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was such a great lady. So many memories from basketball and when she was principal at my children school.
    I know she is missed terribly. Prayers and hugs.

  3. Myrna Johnson

    So many good memories of our days At Crittenden Middle School. Such a supportive administrator with sound advice for teachers. Her presence was always so uplifting. My deepest sympathy to the family

    • Belinda LANGSTON

      My deepest sympathies for the family of Judy. She was such a sweet lady to work with at the administration building.

  4. Diane Drewry

    I met Judy later in life through Mary and Sam Mahler. From the moment I met her I knew she was kind, loving and considerate; she had a special way of making everyone feel welcomed.

    To Sam and Maggie , your Mother will always be within you. A Mother never truly leaves her child… it is am eternal bond.

    Diane Drewry

  5. Jenny Davis

    I am so so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. I have such great memories of her from Crittenden Middle School. She cared about everyone especially the kids. She will be sorely missed by many people. My deepest sympathy to your whole family ❤️

  6. Madalene Hardison Walsh

    Loving and prayerful thoughts in the loss of your Mom. She taught you well to be caring and kind in dealing with people and strong in dealing with life’s challenges. Physically she is gone, but what she taught you remains.

  7. Melia Hellmann

    Hugs and prayers you you both, Maggie & Sam. Judy was such a profound example in my life – always calm, accepting and wise. I loved the twinkle in her eyes when she teased and her seemingly endless good spirit. She was so steady and knew just what to say, always teaching others and leading by example. I think of her fondly and often and you are in my prayers and in my heart.

  8. Carol Cunningham

    I remember the wonderful years we shared in the Warwick Jr. Womens Club. Judy was a kind and caring person with a great sense of humor.

  9. Shirley Walker-Moseley

    In representing the Warwick High School Class of 1959, I send sincere sympathy to your family. Judy has been an active participant in our monthly luncheons, and we all got to know her better. She was such a joy to be around, a great conversationalist and such a lovely lady. She will be missed by so many. / Shirley (Walker) Moseley

  10. Arlene Wyatt Henderson

    Mrs. Mahler was my 8th-grade History teacher at Huntington Intermediate as well as an assistant principal at my daughters’ middle school. I knew her more than fifty years and she was a wonderful, enthusiastic person who was a pleasure to spend time with. May her memory be a blessing.

  11. Claire Born

    Judy is a treasured friend and an incredible role model. She has touched countless lives and will be missed for years to come. What an amazing lady with so many gifts, talents, and insights! My love and prayers are with Maggie, David, Sam, Jenny, and Judy’s entire family, as well as her friends and colleagues. We shall hold precious memories warmly in our hearts. There truly are no words to adequately express the loss we feel. How blessed we all are to have enjoyed her wisdom, enthusiasm for life, and the experiences we shared with Judy!

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