Margaret Amelia Sargentich

Margaret Amelia Sargentich
October 8, 1917 ~ September 23, 2006

Carmel Valley – Our mother was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but spent most of her childhood in Southern California, graduating from Franklin High School in Highland Park, and attending one year at Occidental College. The Depression put her education on hold for many years.
   Mama was known as Margaret until she told a handsome man in the voter registration line that her name was "Peggy". (This was news to her parents, but it stuck, and that man became her husband and our father.) Peggy was married to Daniel Sargentich in 1939, and they had lived nearly 65 years together when he died in 2004. They had four children, two boys and two girls. Peggy's youngest son died last year, as did her only sister.
   Peggy was incredibly bright with a quick sense of humor. She could create a play-on-words or a pun at a moment's notice. She had a passion for writing and belonged to many writers groups. The fictional characters she created came to life during our young lives through her story-telling, and Mama's creativity influenced each of us. She was also active in the P.T.A throughout our school years, acting as President of the San Gabriel Valley Council of P.T.As, and serving on many committees.
   Peggy went back to college at age 51 and received her Bachelor's Degree and an Adult Education Credential. She became Parent Effectiveness Training certified, and she taught classes in PET. Peggy also had a successful late career in property management, after receiving her Realtor's License.
   Peggy was extremely concerned with world events. She also had an interest in psychology and the power of positive thinking, and was partial to natural healing methods. She read self-help and nutritional reports as avidly as the newspaper and fiction.
   After moving from the Los Angeles area to Monterey 18 years ago, Peggy continued her memberships with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and PEO. She also became a Peer Counselor for the Alliance on Aging, was active in book clubs, gourmet dinner groups, and enjoyed plays and musicals.
   Peggy was pleased with her new life at Carmel Valley Manor and was very grateful for the care and companionship she received there (at Hillcrest and at the Health Center). Peggy was a role model for aging gracefully and accepting help when she broke her shoulder, pelvis and hip. We will always remember her for her vibrancy, intelligence and tolerance.
   Peggy had a great love and admiration for her children, her daughters- & sons-in-law, and her two grandchildren. Peggy is survived by her daughter Susan Allein (Richard Flanagan) of Maine, Lewis Sargentich (Val Bradley) of Massachusetts, her daughter Karen Stafford (Doug) of Monterey, her grandson Patrick Stafford of Monterey, her daughter-in-law Susan Farnsworth and granddaughter Catherine Sargentich of Virginia.
   A private ceremony celebrating Peggy's life will be held by her immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Carmel Valley Manor Employee Christmas Fund or to Habitat for Humanity.