Margaret Ann Ackenback Villanova

Margaret A Villanova, 86, of Gloversville, NY, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville.

Margaret was born in Amsterdam, NY on April 1, 1940, to the late Edwin and Margaret M. Ross Ackenback.

She  is survived by her brother Edmund Ackenback of Amsterdam, NY, her children, Christopher J. and wife Marlene Villanova of Amsterdam, Theresa M. Villanova and husband Patrick Kelley of Homer, NY, Thomas E. Villanova and wife Colleen of Las Cruces, NM and foster daughter Lori Truong and husband Sinh of Syracuse, NY. She adored her seven grandchildren, David, Michael, Andrew, Anthony, Brandon, Nina, Alexander, Gabriel and Alyndria and her great grandchildren Jacon, Josh, Julien and James.

Margaret grew up in Amsterdam and received her education at St. Mary’s Institute, graduating in 1958. She went on to study at Ithaca College and graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater studies. As a dancer and actress she worked at the Sacandaga Summer Theater and in several other community little theaters over the years.

She married Edward Villanova and loved being a full-time Mom and a part-time farmer, raising sheep, growing organic vegetables and herding chickens! An active member of the Roman Catholic Church, she served as eucharistic minister and member of the Parish Council at St. James Church in Cazenovia, NY and St Catherine of Siena Church in Ithaca NY. Margaret lived in Ithaca NY and worked in Continuing Education at her alma mater, and finally at Cornell University in the Lab of Ornithology until retiring in 2006. Moving back to her roots in Central NY in 2018, she loved living near the Adirondacks, writing and publishing poetry and having family nearby.

A private burial service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY.

Memorial donations in Margaret's name may be sent to a charity of your choice or Margaret's favorite, doctorswithoutborders.com