Peg A. Wilsey

Writers have vision, and editors see the beauty in things, sometimes before the rest of us. She was both. As an educator, entrepreneur, and a woman of faith, she dedicated her life to the service of others. 

Peggy Ann (Peg) Wilsey 90, of Market St. died August 25, 2021, at her residence, surrounded by family. A Saugertiesian for 70 years, Peg was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She taught us The Elements of Style in more ways than one. (If you don’t know the book, it might be time for a visit to the public library.) Peg embodied “friendly Saugerties,” and her commitment to the community was a testament to her belief that we should all leave places better than we found them. 

Born on February 12, 1931 in Bronxville, New York, she was the daughter of the late Margaret and Ernest Holdman, youngest of three siblings. 

Surviving are her sister Sr. M. Paula Holdman, SC of Riverdale, NY,  daughters: Mary Kay and her husband Pat Riley of Mashpee, MA, Ann Marie and her husband Jim Schulze of Plymouth, MA, her sons: Tom and his wife Debbie of Poughkeepsie, NY, Jack and his wife Juanita of Saugerties, NY, Peter and his wife Ann Renee of Phoenix, AZ., Mark and his wife Mary of Phoenicia, NY, David and his wife Dawn of Alexandria, VA, and several nieces and nephews. She was a proud grandmother of: Patrick (Caitlin), Danielle, Jeffrey, Eric (Ashley), Karin (Nic), Briana, Matthew (Elizabeth), Kate (Bryson), Claire, Andrew, Frank, Hannah (Jakob), Grace, Sarah, and Emily and a loving great-grandmother of 12. She was predeceased by her husband Harold M. Wilsey and her sister Agnes and husband Francis Marchiony.

Dedication to family, faith, and community were the cornerstones upon which Peg built and lived her life with her late husband of 59 years, Harold M. Wilsey. 

Her faith was strong. She was a long time parishioner at St. Mary’s of the Snow where she became an Eucharist Minister and Lector for Sunday mass after singing with joy along with the choir for 20 years. She was involved in the religious education of many area children as well as many teens through the Marriage Encounter program. She was called to action as a member of the Parish Council, and a past president of the Rosary Society. In her professional life, Peg was a past editor for the Saugerties Post Star, and taught in the Saugerties Central School System.  Civic duty led Peg to be a member and past President of Saugerties American Legion Auxiliary Post #72  and a Girl Scout troop leader. A life long learner, with creativity to share, Peg sought out and found an outlet and many lifelong friends in the Monday Club as a member and past president.  

Past President of Saugerties Public Library Board of Trustees and a member of the Friends of the Library, she believed there were paths to be followed, truths to be told and questions to be answered and the library was a great place to begin.  She was a charter member of the 398 club,  friends who shared their lives and became extended family,  and on occasion found herself enjoying a round of bridge.

We wish to extend our gratitude to friends and caregivers, including Gloria Hastings, who have strengthened our circle with their care and compassion.

We will miss Peg’s imagination, creativity, and that sparkle in her eye. Her guidance and wisdom will carry forward with all who knew and loved her.

Her Funeral Procession will form 10:15 am Monday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc., cor. of John and Lafayette Sts., Saugerties. Thence to St. Mary of the Snow RC Church where at 11 am a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Burial will follow in the Copake Cemetery, Copake NY. Friends will be received Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Further obituary information and expressions of condolence may be shared at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

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