Margaret "Peggy" Ann Behrle's Obituary
Margaret "Peggy" Ann Behrle (née Begley), age 93 of Palm Harbor, FL - formerly Grantham, NH & Upper Montclair, NJ died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by loved ones on Friday, January 1, 2016.
She was born at home in Ansonia, CT on July 3rd, 1922 to Thomas & Margaret Begley. They lovingly called her their 'little firecracker'. She married her high school sweetheart, Dr. Franklin C. Behrle on June 16, 1945, in Ansonia CT. Together they had 5 beautiful children, 3 daughters, followed by twin sons. They raised their family in Kansas and New Jersey, then retired to the New Hampshire lake home of their dreams in 1992.
Throughout her life, Peggy devoted much of her time as a volunteer for many organizations. At the American Red Cross, she worked the switchboard and transported the elderly to doctors appointments. She had a passion for reading, and was proud to work with the Newark, NJ Board of Education in their reading program, helping young students from the inner city learn to read. As an Assistant Social Worker at UMDNJ, she worked with new mothers and infants in the OB/GYN department. Active in her children's many activities, she once held the title Assistant Leader for Campfire Girls Inc.
Peggy loved downhill & cross country skiing well into her 70's, swimming in Eastman Lake, singing & listening to music - especially Jazz, dancing into the wee hours, and being with her family.
She is Survived by her children Barbara Podeswa (Paul) FL, Susan Craw (Brian) NJ/FL, Carol White (Bruce) CT/FL, and Richard Behrle (Sheila) FL.
Grandchildren - Stacey Craw, Corey Craw (Veronica), Geoffrey Podeswa & John Johnson, Cara Ojiem (Ronnie), Caelin White (Sergi), Mathew Craw (Michaela), & Rory Behrle.
Great-grandchildren - Taylor & Jake Craw-Papera, Leah & Gabriel Ojiem, Seth & Isaac Crump, & Haiden Behrle.
Sibling - Shirley Begley McDonnell, nephews - Mark McDonnell (Kathy) & Timothy McDonnell (Maryellen, Nolan & Carys).
She is predeceased by her loving husband of 70 years, Dr. Franklin C. Behrle - October 6, 2002; parents Thomas & Margaret "Peggy" Begley (née Ahern); brother Edward T. Begley - December 7, 2011; son Robert F. Behrle - November 23, 2011; and grandsons Sean R. White -June 29, 2002 & Abby O. Ojiem - November 7, 2011.
A Celebration of Peggy's Life will be held by the family at a later date.
The Family would also like to thank all of the caring women from Home Instead Senior Care who helped Peggy stay in her home, as she wished. Irmi, Christina, Judy, and many more - we will be forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to:
Suncoast Hospice Foundation
5771 Roosevelt Blvd.
Clearwater, FL 33760
Make checks payable to:
Suncoast Hospice Foundation in Memory of Peggy Behrle
For more information, please contact Suncoast Hospice Foundation at (727) 523-2441 or visit www.thehospicefoundation.org
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