Funeral Alternatives Make a payment online Funeral Alternatives

Maine's Cremation Authority

« Obituaries | Margaret "Peggy" Beringer

Obituary
view guestbook | sign guestbook

Margaret "Peggy" Beringer

Date of Death: June 6, 2018

Date of Birth: November 29, 1937

Biography:

TOPSHAM - Peggy died peacefully at her home in Topsham on June 6, 2018, surrounded by the family she deeply loved. Born on November 29, 1937, in East Orange, New Jersey, Peggy was the oldest daughter of Jack and Harriette Chamberlain. In 1945 the family moved to a farm in Old Bridge, NJ where Peggy attended a one room school until sixth grade. She grew up becoming very active in 4-H, and graduated from Matawan High School, where she developed a love for both vocal and instrumental music. For several summers, she was the Recreation Director of the 4-H Camp in rural Sussex County and in many ways, she enjoyed opening up new experiences for both children and grandchildren all of her life.

In 1959, Peggy graduated from Cornell University's College of Home Economics. It was at Cornell that she met her future husband, Rev. Robert Beringer. Peggy and Bob were married in July of 1959, and moved to Trenton, NJ where Bob was working while attending Princeton Theological Seminary. Peggy taught home economics in the Junior High School in Ewing Township. It was there that their oldest son, David, was born.

When Bob was ordained as a Presbyterian Minister, the couple moved to Bound Brook, NJ where Bob joined the staff of the Bound Brook Presbyterian Church. Peggy sang in the church choir, and was active in the Women's Association. The couple's second son, Peter, joined the family in 1962. In March of 1964, the family moved to Hopewell, NJ where Bob would be the minister of the Presbyterian Church for over 20 years. Peggy taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, directed a youth handbell choir, and was chosen by the congregation to serve as a Deacon and then as a Ruling Elder. She was a local 4-H Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, and Classroom Mom for all of her children. She also designed and led a host of intergenerational classes and activities. During those years, she was elected President of a regional group of Presbyterian Women and traveled with other church women to Costa Rica, Panama, and Columbia. The couple's daughter, Beth, was born in 1964, and a third son, Tom, joined the family in 1970.

In July of 1984, Bob became the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen, NJ and the family moved to a beautiful old home built in 1848. Peggy continued her love of both vocal and instrumental music. She led Advent/Christmas craft workshops for people of all ages, and was again elected to serve as a Deacon and an Elder. There she joined the local chapter of P.E.O. and served as Chapter President. She also began a class in Water Exercise long before there was Water Aerobics, designing her own exercise program and the accompanying music. She survived a bout with breast cancer in 1993.With Bob, she shared summer ministry at Culver Lake in rural Branchville, NJ where she developed a close relationship with her grandchildren, sharing with them in swim team, Vacation Bible School, and Summer Theater.

In 2001, the couple moved to Basking Ridge, NJ where again Peggy was a very active participant in the music ministry and in the mission outreach of the Presbyterian Church. She delighted in becoming a member of the Oaktree Quilters, was again chosen as a Ruling Elder, and served as Chapter President for a local P.E.O. Chapter. These were years when Peggy and Bob were privileged to travel to many wonderful places across the world both for pleasure and for setting up mission partnerships with churches in other countries. Whenever possible, Peggy took one of her grandchildren on these trips.
In 2013 Peggy and Bob retired to their home at the Highlands in Topsham, ME where she continued to use her sewing skills to make comfort pillows for wounded veterans, to sing in the Highlands Chorale, and to enjoy the company of a host of new friends. She will be remembered by her family for her clever wit, her love of her family, her deep appreciation for every aspect of the world God made, and for her ability to pick up almost any instrument and play a melody.

Peggy is survived by her sister, Anne Kern and her husband Stuart of Oley, PA, her husband, Bob, her children David and his wife Jodie, Peter and his wife Amelia, Beth and her partner Mindy Bowman, Tom and his partner Amanda, and grandchildren Jonathan, Haydee, Annesley, Josalyne, Charlene, Rebecca, Ethan, Annika and Chloe, and extended family members, Richard and Melissa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Resident Assistance Funds of the Highlands in Topsham or the Mid Coast Presbyterian Church also in Topsham.

Funeral Alternatives offers cremation services, burial and funeral services, pre-need packages, and memorial merchandise.

Offices in Lewiston, Brunswick, and Augusta Maine.
Serving Androscoggin County, Cumberland County, Kennebec County, and surrounding areas.

Cities & Towns Served

 

Join Funeral Alternatives on Facebook

© Copyright Funeral Alternatives ~ Maine website by Barnstormer Design Group