Margaret Shea Bunning

Margaret “Peg” Shea Bunning was born on December 5, 1953, to Garnett Shea and John Shea. She passed away on February 14, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio, peacefully in her home. Peg was a beloved wife, mother, sister, friend, aunt, and grandmother, whose family was always the center of her world. She was happiest at home with her husband and her “bear cubs,” Clare and Dan.

On July 2, 1988, Peg married the love of her life, Michael Bunning. Her children, Daniel and Clare, were the greatest joy of her life until the birth of her grandson, Flynn (lovingly called Peanut), stole the show. Peg loved being his grandma with her whole heart, and it brought out an extra spark that everyone around her could feel.

Peg loved the simple pleasures: a cup of coffee on her back porch, sitting on the couch with her beloved yellow Labrador, Nora, watching the world go by; listening to opera; fried chicken from Schoolhouse; and aimless shopping trips with Clare.  Peg never met a bakery she didn’t like.  She also loved to laugh. Nothing was sacred with Peg. If Peg teased you, you were part of the inner circle. Peg never met a stranger, and her family never knew who would show up to dinner. Peg was famous for making new friends on her many travels and adventures with her family.

Family time was Peg’s priority, and it showed. She loved trips to the Cincinnati Zoo, family trips to Michigan, and dinners at the park. Peg’s favorite day of the year was Christmas Eve, when she would relish playing bingo and making Christmas cookies for her family.

Peg was preceded in death by her parents, Garnett and John; her siblings, Patrick Shea, Michael Shea, and Catherine Burns (Shea). Also preceded in death by Joanne Bunning and Louis Bunning, and Ken Thomas. Along with various furry family members, including Polly Bunning, Bill (the bird) Bunning, Eleanor Bunning, and Calico Bunning  (Sid Vicious)

She is survived by her husband, Michael Bunning; her children, Daniel and Clare; her son-in-law, Devon; her grandson, Flynn; her devoted brother Ed Shea and sister-in-law Ruth Shea, along with many family members and friends who loved her, laughed with her, and will carry her spirit forward.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Peg’s honor to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).