Mary "Peg" Niland

Mary Margarite “Peg” Niland
March 27, 1939 – April 19, 2025

Mary “Peg” Niland, 86, of Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 19, 2025. She was the devoted wife of the late Paul J. Niland, and the proud mother of five children.
Peg met the love of her life, Paul, on a matchmaker date—a meeting that turned into a beautiful 65-year marriage and a life full of love, laughter, and family in Hingham, Massachusetts. Together, they raised five children, navigated countless trips to the ER (thanks to broken bones and stitches from their boys), and wrangled the shenanigans of their girls. Their home was always full—of kids, pets (dogs, cats, horses, turtles, and rabbits), and endless love.
Peg adored her family more than anything. She sewed dresses for her daughters, baked cakes for every occasion, whipped up blueberry muffins in the dead of winter, packed six lunches every morning, and made sure a hot dinner was always on the table. Her home was a place of warmth, welcome, and a little bit of magic.
She had a gift for making people feel at home. Peg loved meeting new folks and was quick to introduce herself—always proudly adding, “I’m from Boston,” which she declared with her unmistakable Boston accent (something she was often teased about and absolutely loved). She grew up in Jamaica Plain, on Peter Parley Road, in the house her grandfather built. One of seven siblings, Peg had endless stories of childhood—“First one up is best one dressed,” finding pennies under the porch for candy, the “Golden Stairs,” Bailey’s Ice Cream parlor, and her cheerleading days at J.P. High School.
In Hingham, Peg turned her love of baking and beauty into a thriving cake business, known for its handmade sugar flowers and elegant designs. She also worked at Something Nice in Hingham and decorated cakes at Weinburger’s Bakery in Hull.
Peg had an eye for beautiful things—art, antiques, hand-decorated linens, and anything that honored her Irish roots. She created a home that was as inviting as it was stylish, and she never missed a chance to host a dinner, even at the last minute. She and Paul had many dear friends, and weekends were often filled with laughter, food, and friendship.
After Paul’s retirement, they became snowbirds and eventually settled in Florida. When Hurricane Charley destroyed their home in 2018, they rebuilt—creating their cherished “Florida house.” They bought a 38-foot sailboat and joined a sailing group, exploring the Florida coast. Summers were for “Camp Paco,” where Peg and Paul showered their grandchildren with beach trips, pool days, shark tooth hunts, sailing and memories they’ll cherish forever. Peg was always thinking of her grandkids—picking the perfect gifts, keeping in touch with calls and video chats, and beaming with joy when she attended her grandson’s wedding in Pennsylvania last fall.
Peg loved to give. In Florida, she became known as “The Brownie Lady,” baking dozens of brownies and tea breads, neatly wrapped with ribbons, for anyone and everyone—Publix employees, the mail lady, the pool guy, her bankers, neighbors—you name it.
She was also a proud Lifetime Member of Weight Watchers, where she met her beloved “Breakfast Club.” Every week after their meetings, Peg and her dear friends—Pat, Eileen, Carole, Linda, Debbie, Rose Marie, Sandi, and Carol—gathered for breakfast (where “calories didn’t count”) and shared their lives. Peg was the heart of the group—lovingly considered “the mom.”
She was also an expert quilter, and she created beautiful and unique quilts for each of her children and grandchildren. She belonged to the Port Charlotte quilting guild for several years where she honed her craft and found many friends to mentor her.
Peg is survived by her four children and their spouses: Joan and Rich Crowley, Lisa and Carl Eikhoff, Chris Niland, and Greg and Angie Niland; and her daughter-in-law Debbie, wife of her late and beloved son Paul. She leaves behind ten grandchildren: Stephen, Patrick, and Michael Crowley; Michael and Bella Niland; Drew and Sheena Eikhoff; Mary and Christopher Niland; and Ashley Niland. She is also survived by her loving sister, Grace Keefe of Needham and Hingham, and her wonderful brother, Paul Parlon of Walpole.
Peg will be dearly missed by all who knew her—but especially by her family, who were her greatest joy and proudest legacy.
Peg was a Breast Cancer Survivor and often spoke about how fortunate she was to survive. Thank you for considering a donation to the charity, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, in Peg’s name.