Honoring the Legacy of Margaret McCoy: A life of leadership, family, and unwavering dedication.
It is with great honor that the community reflects on the life and legacy of Margaret McCoy, the beloved owner of Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers Realty. Margaret was not just a business owner—she was the heartbeat of the company, a woman who poured her heart and soul into everything she did. Known for her relentless work ethic, passion, and unwavering commitment, Margaret built a real estate empire that continues to thrive today, impacting countless lives along the way.
Early Life and Family Origins
Born on March 12, 1949, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Margaret Florence Novak was the daughter of two immigrants—her father from Poland and her mother from Syria. At a young age, her parents made the bold decision to move to California in search of a better life. It’s safe to say that California got more than it bargained for. Margaret, known for her strong will and adventurous spirit, quickly earned the nickname “PESTY” as a child—a nickname that perfectly encapsulated her driven and unstoppable nature.
Margaret grew up alongside her brother and sister, both of whom played significant roles in shaping her values and character. After earning a degree in recreation from Long Beach State, Margaret married Dennis McCoy in 1970. Together, they raised three children, with Margaret playing an active role in each of their lives. She always put family first, ensuring that her children were surrounded by love and support as they grew up.
A 55-Year Marriage Built on Love and Shared Values
Margaret and Dennis McCoy shared a remarkable 55-year marriage, one rooted in love, respect, and shared dreams. Although they didn’t travel much, Margaret and Dennis found joy and adventure in the everyday moments of life. They both viewed their home in Canyon Lake as a constant vacation—an oasis of peace and beauty where they could retreat from the world. For them, the idea of traveling often seemed unnecessary because they felt as though they were living in paradise every day. Their connection was deeper than just a shared home.
Margaret and Dennis complemented each other perfectly, each bringing their own unique strengths to their partnership. Dennis, a proud Marine and retired fireman, worked with an unwavering dedication to serve and protect his community. Margaret, with her fierce determination and heart of gold, supported Dennis through every chapter of their lives, both personally and professionally. Together, they built a life that was full of love, hard work, and mutual respect.
The couple’s partnership extended beyond their marriage and into their professional lives. Dennis was instrumental in the early days of Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers Realty, as Margaret helped him navigate the real estate world. Over the years, Dennis remained Margaret’s rock, and they shared many milestones as they worked side by side to build the successful business that stands today.
A Family of High Achievers
Margaret’s three children each went on to forge successful careers that carry forward her values of hard work, dedication, and compassion. Her eldest daughter, Michelle, became a certified orthotist and prosthetist, helping to improve the lives of countless individuals. Like her mother, Michelle developed a deep empathy for others and a desire to make a positive impact. Her work in the medical field continues Margaret’s legacy of caring for those in need.
Kimberly, the middle child, followed a different but equally impactful path. As a loan officer, Kimberly combines her keen understanding of finance with her mother’s exceptional people skills to help clients navigate the complexities of homeownership. Her approach to her work mirrors Margaret’s—always striving to go above and beyond for those in need, ensuring they feel supported and valued.
Kreg, Margaret’s youngest child, followed in her footsteps and carved out a career in real estate. An entrepreneur at heart, Kreg embraced the opportunities of the real estate world with the same passion and drive that his mother instilled in him. Beyond real estate, Kreg has pursued a variety of business ventures, building on the strong foundation his mother provided.
Together, Michelle, Kimberly, and Kreg embody the values of service, integrity, and compassion that Margaret lived by every day. They’ve each made their own mark on the world, but their shared legacy of caring and dedication is a testament to Margaret’s influence as a mother and a role model.
A Grandmother’s Love
Margaret is survived by seven wonderful grandchildren, each of whom she loved dearly. To her, nothing brought more joy than spending time with her grandchildren, watching them grow and thrive. Her love for them was unconditional, and she cherished every moment she had with them. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of her grandchildren, who will carry forward the lessons she imparted about hard work, kindness, and caring for others.
Building a Real Estate Legacy
Before venturing into real estate, Margaret briefly worked as a substitute teacher in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District. To this day, people still fondly remember her handing out NFL football pencils in class. However, Margaret’s true calling was in real estate, where she quickly made a name for herself. She didn’t just help her husband, Dennis, after he got his real estate license—she threw herself into the business with both feet. Her exceptional skills in handling paperwork and working with people transformed her from an assistant to a powerhouse in the industry.
Her first open house in Canyon Lake became the stuff of legend. Margaret didn’t just sell the house—she helped the buyer find a job, demonstrating her knack for building lasting relationships with people. That first buyer eventually became a successful real estate agent, a testament to Margaret’s ability to mentor and guide others.
A Leader Who Cared
What truly set Margaret apart was her ability to combine strong leadership with deep compassion. For her, real estate wasn’t just about contracts and transactions—it was about people. Whether she was mentoring agents or assisting clients, Margaret had an extraordinary ability to connect with others. She wasn’t just a listener; she truly heard people and understood what they needed.
Margaret’s honesty, work ethic, and unwavering dedication to helping others made her a respected figure in the community. Her influence isn’t just visible in the company’s success—it is felt in the lasting relationships she built with clients and colleagues alike. Her approach to leadership was rooted in care and respect for others, and she led by example, showing those around her that success is achieved not just through knowledge but through kindness and dedication.
The Real Estate Kids: Growing Up in the Business
Margaret’s children also had a front-row seat to the world of real estate. As “Real Estate Kids,” they spent their childhood running contracts across the parking lot because fax machines couldn’t keep up with the pace of business. They printed hot sheets as the weekend secretary when there was no MLS, glued pictures to flyers, and even delivered cheesecakes to clients on golf carts, all of which were Margaret’s thoughtful ideas.
These experiences shaped not only their work ethic but also their appreciation for the business Margaret loved so dearly. Many agents have been with Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers Realty for decades, and Margaret’s influence continues to be felt in every relationship she fostered and every life she touched.
Continuing the Legacy
As Margaret’s family and colleagues carry on her work, they do so with the same values she championed—hard work, integrity, and compassion. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the people she mentored, and the strong foundation she built. The team at Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers Realty is dedicated to honoring Margaret’s memory by continuing to lead with her example, ensuring her values endure for generations to come.
Margaret’s legacy is not only in the success of the company but in the relationships she built, the lives she changed, and the indelible impact she made on everyone around her. Her children, grandchildren, and colleagues are proud to continue the work she started, carrying her vision and her commitment to excellence with them every day. As they say, “If you’re going to be a ditch digger, be the best damn ditch digger there is,” and that’s exactly how Margaret approached every aspect of her life. Her legacy lives on, and the work she began will continue to grow for many years to come.
