GUILDERLAND – Margaret Mary “Peggy” Steede Kaufman, 64, passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends. Peg was born in Albany, the daughter of the late Raymond J. Steede, Sr. and Regina A. Ryan Steede. She was a graduate of Cardinal McCloskey High School in Albany, and was employed for forty years by the New York State Insurance Department, where she supervised countless individuals in the Licensing Bureau and developed lifelong friendships with her fellow co-workers. Peg devoted her life to her family and friends, whether it was attending her children’s and grandchildren’s many games, practices, recitals and academic events, coordinating family gatherings for holidays and birthdays, or spending time with her most cherished friends whom she adored, and who likewise adored her. Peg loved to travel, most notably spending three weeks in Asia touring Hong Kong, Thailand, and Japan. Peg golfed, loved fine dining, especially when on vacation, and in recent years enjoyed spending two months every winter in the Florida sunshine. Most notably, throughout a 42 year marriage Peg gracefully cared for her husband in both sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, until her death when they finally parted.
Peg is survived by her beloved husband James P. Kaufman; her children James R. Kaufman (Kathryn M.) of Colonie, and Kathryn R. Massie (Robert D.) of Saratoga Springs; her brother Raymond J. Steede, Jr. of Menands, her sister Kathryn S. Vavasour (John) of Albany; her brother in law Vincent Campbell of Latham; her grandchildren Madalyn Marie, Ryan Patrick, John Frazier, Grace Mackenzie and Emma Margaret, and by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister Sandra Steede Campbell.
The Kaufman family would like to express sincere appreciation and thanks to Dr. Joseph Dudek and the medical professionals at NYOH-Albany, the health care professionals of Hospice, and the spiritual caregivers of Christ the King Church.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Friday morning at 9:00, and from there to Christ the King Church, Sumpter Ave., Guilderland, at 10:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Thursday from 4-7 pm. The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather in the funeral home at 4:30 pm Thursday for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. The family suggests memorial contributions to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York, 3 Washington Square, Albany, NY 12205; or to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Ln, Latham, NY 12110. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Keith T. Campbell
Peggy was my beloved aunt. She was a mother-figure, advisor, councilor, and a friend to me. When I was 7 years old, Peggy and Uncle Jimbo took me to Disney World with them, and again when I was 17. They also took me to Cape Cod when I was 12 and again when I was 13 or 14. A more selfless act I cannot recall ever in my life….what kind of people in their 20’s take a 7 year old kid along with them on their vacation? Beautiful people- that’s who. I will never forget those times, as well as the myriad holidays and birthday parties we celebrated together through the years, and the weekends I would spend at her place as a child. She wasn’t one to pull any punches….she always gave it to me straight, but always, always, always did the right thing. I was lucky to have her, and I will miss her forever.
Frank and Carol O'Connor
Our sympathy to your family for your loss. Frank and I hope that your many memories of times together bring comfort in the times ahead.
Helen and Mark Pelersi
Jim, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Helen and Mark Pelersi
JoEllen Vavasour
Jimbo,
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beloved Peggy, who fought the battle long and hard. She was a remarkable woman.
Pat McAuliffe
Sorry to hear the loss of your best friend Jim….may the wonderful life u shared keep u strong! !!
Maura Farrell Miller
My sincere condolences for your loss.
Maura Farrell Miller
Cardinal McCloskey Class 1973
Jean Maruszczak
Jim, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Peggy was a wonderful friend and I will miss Peggy dearly. We have many memories of good times together.
Gary & Jane Crosby
Jim, you and Peg both will always remain a great inspiration to us for the way you have handled adversity in your lives. We are asking for God’s Grace and a peace that passes understanding for your family.
Jim Rasmuson
to Jim and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss!
Rachel Phillips
Jim, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere condolences to you.
Mark Leonard
Jim and children,
I am sorry for the loss of Peg, your wife and mom.
She was a wonderful person. My/our prayers and thoughts….Mark, Kim and family.
susan poleto
Jim please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayer. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Joanne & Peter Schmidt
Dear Jim and Family,
We extend our deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your dear wife and mother. Peggy was a beautiful lady, kind and gracious. We pray that fond memories of her love for you will bring you comfort.
Sincerely, Joanne and Peter Schmidt
Jim Kaufman
Peg and I met by pure chance through her cousin, Timmy Ryan. Timmy and I were goofing around in our senior year, when his wallet fell to the ground, I picked it up and there was a graduation picture of this beautiful girl…who is this I asked? My cousin Peggy, he replied to which I said I want to meet her. We talked on the phone for about a week…then planned to meet at the June Festival of Sacred Heart Church in No. Albany, that was June 20, 1970, we really became a couple the next night, our Graduation Night, June 21, 1970 (Peg from Cardinal McCloseky and me, St. Joseph’s Academy)…Peg and I were never far from each other until she went home to Heaven on 4/10/16. I loved Peg on first sight, though it took her a little longer to get used to me….but she loved until the last breath she took her on earth, but I know she still is loving and caring for me, from Heaven…where will again hold hands again.
Peg and I were married on 9/29/73, she blessed our family with a son, James Ryan, on 12/3/79 and a daughter, Kathryn Rae, on 8/1/85 who in turn blessed us with Maddy, Ryan, Grace, Emma Margaret and John Frazer, the last two grandchildren on Good Friday (3/25/16), Emma Margaret and on Easter Sunday (3/27/16), John Frazer….Peg got to hold both new grandchildren, she was that strong to the end.
To all our family and friends, thank you for warmth and love in this very sad time.