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 service will be held at Christ Church in Palm Harbor, Florida on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 4:00 pm. Pastor Joe Peterson will officiate. There will be no visitation or graveside service. Call Christ Church for more information: 727-784-5829.
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).
With loving memories of a great friend.
Her smile was priceless. Peggy touched the hearts of many and will be dearly missed. Our loss is God’s gain as it should be..
Peggy was loved, respected and admired.
She will be greatly missed
We will miss this beautiful lady and her beautiful spirit. It was a privilege to know her and her devoted husband Paul. Seeing them together as they skated gracefully along their life path was wonderful to see.
Dearest Annie,
I wasn’t aware of the challenges you and your family were facing the last few months. please accept my condolences and prayers…. Blessings and Love, Raybee
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family! Vickie and Scott Leese
Dear Carol, Annemarie, Paul and Mr. Abel,
I have such wonderful memories of growing up as Carol’s friend and knowing Mrs. Abel as the wonderful, welcoming Mom. I also had the pleasure of having Mrs. Abel as my math teacher at SBS and it was a pleasure. She was a patient, entertaining, marvelous teacher. I love this picture as it takes me back to when that lovely smile was aimed at me. My love and prayers to you all, Diane
Uncle Paul, Annmarie, Paul Jr., Carol and all your families, Please accept our sincerest condolences for your loss. Auntie Peggy lived a great life and you’ve been fortunate to share in much of that especially as you reunited the families down South. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the love and support of your family and friends and your loving memories of her help you get through this difficult time.
My granny will be greatly missed. I remember as a kid my granny and grandpa would always take us to go either rollerblading or roller skating which i loved to do. My granny always had a smile on her face I don’t believe I ever saw her sad. She always taught me ways to remember math equations. I will miss you very much granny. I will always remember and I will always love you dearly.
Peggy, in heaven, we thank you for being our friend.
Thank you for being a good friend. You are one of the beautiful people, and you will be greatly missed.
I have know Peggy and Paul ever since my late husband Larry and I moved to Florida. That is about 18 years ago. I have some fund memories of us being in the same Skating class. Peggy was a fighter and we all will remember the fight she put up to beat the cancer. We loved seeing her at the rink even after she could no longer skate. She will be missed by all………….
What a great gal The world has lost a gem Having a friendship with Peggy is like gaining a new family member and new best friend
Hello Paul. Ed and I send our condolences for you and your family’s loss. It’s been so many years, but I still remember our visit with you and Peggy many years ago when we visited Chet and Ella. We enjoyed that so much. Going back even further,I remember your visit to our family when you got out of the service. Where have all those years gone…time really does fly!
I was grateful to Tini for sending me this notice. May God bless you and your family.
Cousin….Mary Fredrick Mitchell
Carol,
We are so sorry about your mom. Our love and prayers go out to you and to all her love ones.
Paul;
I am deeply sorry to read that Peg has passed away. Our sympathy and condolences go to you Paul and may you be blessed with good health and support as you continue life’s journey.
Stay well & God bless.
Carl
we will miss your smiling face at the rink angelo@rita
Paul–I am very sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. I remember her smile and warm manner. I remember visiting the store on High Street.These are fond memories. I am sure she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love to all–
Paul–Peg was a great gal. We have such good memories. We will all miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Harold & Paula and family
Paul: I’m very sorry to read of your loss of Peggy. I remember her as such a friendly lady at the coin shop, and even more gracious at your home when I visited you on business. Please take care of yourself!
Sorry for your loss.
Paul
Our friendship goes back to the 70’s.in downtown Holyoke, and our RV travels.
Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Dear Paul: I was saddened to read of Peggy’s passing, please accept my deepest sympathy. She was such a lovely lady, you were blessed with so many good years together. One of my good memories of MHC was meeting Peg. My condolences to all of your family, Paul, and my prayers for Peggy and all of you. Pauline
Peggy was a wonderful aunt. We miss her greatly, but cherish the time we could share with her.
I will miss Peggy, she was such a wonderful person and I always enjoyed talking with her at the skating rink.
Hi Paul
I am very sorry for your loss. I aways enjoyed talking with you and Peggy at the skating rink over the past 15 years at least, eventhough I may have found it difficult to show in recent years. I will attribute that change in my personality due to a serious illness some 7 years ago which I keep to myself. You have always been good people to talk with during the many skating sessions. Likewise, I enjoyed listening to your daughter’s story today about Mom & Dad and their beautiful relationship. I know that your adjustment over your loss will not be easy; although there is the consolation of knowing that Peggy will be there close by I’m sure, to help ease you through to the extent that you should not feel all alone. God Bless as we all need to move on privately at times, in this short life of ours. Paul Lafleur…
Thank you for all the happy memories visiting you and your family. For all of your support as I grew up. The sun came out and shined down on us during your celebration of life and it warmed my hear knowing you were in heaven, I felt as if you were bringing us the sunshine. You will be missed dearly.
The Mancusi family in South Florida, shall miss
you, May they all know you have done your best
and now rest in pease with our Lord.
Dear Paul,
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your beloved Peggy. I worked with Peggy at West Side. You may remember me more as George Richards’ ex-wife. George passed away in July, 2012.
Prayers for you and your family at this sad time.
Carmen
You were the best and I miss you so very much .
You were the best and I miss you so very much .
I Miss you Mom. It’s been 6 years without you in our daily lives, I have so much I want to say to you Mom.
Thank you for being my Mother, Thank you for all your Love and Thank you for never giving up on me.