DELMAR – Margaret “Peggy” Slocum, age 99, passed away peacefully on Sunday Feb. 9, 2020, surrounded by friends and family. She was born on Oct. 18, 1920, in Plainfield, NJ. Growing up, she and her four siblings lived in Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois, as their large family moved with her father’s employment. She married John H. Slocum in 1941, and received a BA degree from the University of Chicago in 1942, and an MA in Education from the University at Albany in 1961. In the 1960s, Peg was a social studies teacher in public and private schools in Albany. Before teaching, she was a volunteer leader in the NYS League of Women Voters voting rights campaign for permanent personal registration. After her divorce in 1967, Peg moved to Japan and later, China, where she taught English at the college level from 1969 to 1990. After returning to Albany in 1990, she continued to teach English as a Second Language to newly arrived refugees at the International Center and to foreign students at the University at Albany, as well as the College of Saint Rose and Union College. Retiring in 2006, she was an active member of the First Unitarian Society of Albany; she spent several months teaching at the Unitarian Society’s partner church in Romania.
Peg’s daughter Sara Slocum sadly died in 1995. Survivors include a son Peter Slocum and daughter-in-law Ann Sayers, of Keene, NY; granddaughters Emily Slocum (Doug Cubberley) of Nashville, TN, and Molly Slocum Smith (Mark) of Darby, MT; her two great-grandchildren Stella and Lukas Smith; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to express particular thanks to the Community Hospice team and the wonderful, caring staff at Kenwood Manor in Delmar for their kindness and compassion during the last few months of her life. A memorial service is being planned for the spring. Donations in Peg’s memory may be sent to The First Unitarian Society of Albany, the Community Hospice of the Capital District, or to the charity of your choice. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Mary Applegate
A peaceful and to a long and remarkable life.
We were all very lucky to have had you in our lives, Peggy.
with much love,
Mary
Betsey Kuzia
I am so sorry to hear this after seeing the wonderful article about Peggy in the hospice newsletter. She will be missed.
Susan Hoffman
I am so sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. She was a wonderful and interesting woman and I enjoyed getting to know her. Her memory is a blessing!
Barbara Cooley
It was a priviledge, an honor and a blessing to know Peggy. I did not meet Peggy till she “retired,” but we had 15 years of fun and adventure together. She was a role model for aging purposefully and her ehthusiam for life was an inspiration for all her friends!
Candace Deisley
Dear Peter and Ann,
How wonderful to have had Peg for so long! I remember her as a vibrant, smart woman who loved the library. I send my condolences and love to you and your daughters
Jane Wingle
Peter and Ann—Ron, our girls, and I would like to offer our sincere condolences for the passing of your mother. We have such fond memories of our time on Fordham Court. We all held and will forever hold “Mrs. Slocum” in the highest regard. We loved Peggy and are grateful for the friendship we shared. God bless you and your family.
Don Stauffer
Peter,
I and my late wife Morag knew your mother since we met in China in 1981, and we continued to see her here at home and (with you) at Union College concerts. We always enjoyed seeing her; she was a wonderful, giving person who led a very fulfilling and useful life. My condolences to you and the family.
Marti Harvey
Peter: I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your amazing mother. I hope the pride in her generous spirit and singular accomplishments are a source of comfort to you and your family.
Mary J Brand
Peter and Ann,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting her. It sounds like she left an amazing life! Our thoughts are with you.
Mary and Bob Brand
Mark Lewis
Peter- my condolences on your Mom’s passing. I remember her as a very nice lady. I hope you have many pleasant memories.
Mark Lewis
Lauren Reiner Jastremski
Pete and family,
I send you my heartfelt condolences. May Mrs. Slocum Rest In Peace, and may you all find comfort in your happy memories.
Carl Rosenstock
Pete,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your mother. I remember her well, when we were in high school together. She led a truly a long, eventful, and fruitful life.
Jendy and Paul
Peg was an amazing woman, so energetic and committed to important social change. Paul and I enjoyed getting to know her better at our book group whenever we met at Fordham Court. Love and hugs to you both, Ann and Peter.
Tom and Gin Peplowski
Peter and family,
So sorry about the lose of your mom – Peg. She lived an interesting life and we always enjoyed visiting with her at your family gatherings. Our condolences to you and the family. Tom and Gin
jian lin and ilya rushkin
We feel so privileged to know her. She was such an inspiration in our lives. Always energetic, sharp, full of life. Always traveling, meeting people, making plans for the future. We will miss and remember her!
Jian Lin and Ilya Rushkin
Sue Standfast Wright
Dear Peter and family,
Peggy was a wonder(ful) woman. I’m sure you will all miss her very much, as Ted and I will.
Kim Dang
I had the privilege living in her house when I was a student at the pharmacy school. She was wonderful, kind and an inspiration . My condolences to her family
Lydia Yehling
Peggy welcomed my family and me to Harbin, PRC in 1985. My husband taught English at the university there as a visiting teacher and Peggy was an invaluable source of inspiration for Michael (Mulrenin). She helped me navigate the markets with my two small children, always there to answer questions and extend a kind word. Incredible lady. I will never forget her! Lydia Follett Yehling