Margaret Ostrom Abel (Peggy), of Palm Harbor, died on September 13, 2013 in Safety Harbor, Florida after a long struggle with cancer. She was 78.
Born and raised in Schenectady, New York, she was the only daughter of Dr. and Mrs. William C. Ostrom. She was predeceased by her brothers, Dr, Andrew Ostrom and Dr. John Ostrom. Peggy is survived by the love of her life, her devoted husband Paul, who she married in October 1955. She leaves three children, Annemarie, Paul Jr, and Carol Anne, eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
An extraordinary woman in every sense, she was a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, where she earned a degree in mathematics with Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors. She taught mathematics at West Springfield High School and Stoneleigh Burnham Academy in Greenfield for many years before turning to her next profession as a philatelist. Peggy specialized in rare stamps at the couple’s business, Bay State Coin Company in Holyoke, MA. Due to her expertise, she was instrumental in the issuing of an official U.S. stamp commemorating Mary Lyons, founder of her alma mater, Mt. Holyoke College.
An adventurer to the core, Peggy was an avid boater who enjoyed both power boating with family along the New England coast and sailing throughout the islands of the Caribbean. She took up roller dancing at age fifty-seven, despite having never put on a pair of skates before, and became an accomplished skater who competed with her husband throughout New England and Florida, winning numerous titles. The couple won the Northeast Regional Championship in 1997 and competed in the nationals in August of that year.
Peggy enjoyed a rewarding life with a loving family, wonderful friends and extensive travel, and was an active member of Christ Church in Palm Harbor. Peggy is warmly remembered for her cheerful disposition, kindness, intelligence and indefatigable spirit.
A Celebration of Life was held at Christ Church in Palm Harbor, Florida on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 4:00 pm. Pastor Joe Peterson was chosen to officiate. There was no visitation or graveside service.
Although flowers in her favorite color, lavender, are welcome, those wishing to remember her in other ways may also feel free to make contributions in her name to Christ Church (1111 Indiana Avenue, Palm Harbor Florida, 34683) or Suncoast Hospice Foundation http://TheHospice.org (2675 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor, 34683).
