Margaret "Peg" Secrist

Andover, Ohio - Margaret Crystal "Peg" Secrist, age 103, died on Saturday, December 20, 2008, at St. Paul Homes, in Greenville, Pennsylvania. She was born on October 29, 1905, in Andover, Ohio, the daughter of the late Lyle S. and Eva (Howe) Peck. Born and raised in Andover, Peg graduated from Andover High School, earned her BA from Oberlin College, did post graduate studies at the University of Michigan and received a Masters Degree in Education from Wayne State University in Michigan. She was a dedicated teacher who always considered her students her children. Her teaching career started in Napoleon, Ohio and ended with her retirement in Detroit, Michigan. After retirement, Peg returned to her roots in Andover, Ohio. She was a dedicated resident and strong advocate for its history and opportunities. She endorsed it in many ways. Peg was a member of the Mardi Club of Andover, the Schubert Club of Andover, friends of the Andover Library, and the Ashtabula County Retired Teachers Association. She served as the town's Grand Marshall during it's Centennial celebration. A loyal and devoted member of Andover's First Congregational United Church of Christ she provided not only moral and spiritual support, but gave her musical talents as a choir member and filled in as organist when needed. A lover of poetry, Peg found much enjoyment in writing it herself, and has published several books of poetry that she has left to the Andover Public Library. Peg remained in her own home up to the age of 101 when she entered St. Paul Homes where she resided until her death. She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Dr. John Henry "Jack" Secrist, Professor of Chemistry at Wayne State University of Michigan and a sister Alice Peck Crowe of Andover, Ohio. Survivors include three nieces, Nadean Fisher of Andover, Ohio, Joy Hehr of Tiffin, Ohio and Fay Schoenberger of Moraga, California; two nephews, Richard Secrist of Fairport, New York and John Secrist of Medfield, Massachusetts; six grandnieces; eight grandnephews; and several great grand nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008 at 2:00 PM at the First Congregational Church of Andover, Ohio, with Rev. Gwen Young officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the church at PO Box 177, Andover, Ohio, 44003. Guestbook is available at www.baumgardnerfuneralhomes.com

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