Margaret A. Stoler

The family visited your gravesite often and planted flowers in the spring, summer and fall. Brad and you both had lovely roses on your graves as winter closed in. On the anniversary of your death we published this notice in the newspaper: "In Loving Memory of Margaret Gallagher Stoler, 12/7/1929 - 1/16/2003, Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, historian, author, collector and pet lover. Sadly missed by family and all who knew and loved her." We thought you would be pleased.

Dear Bruce,
A long time ago at a dinner-bridge at your house, either Martin or I won the booby prize. It was a coffee mug and, ever since, it has been the mug from which I drink my A.M. coffee. Needless to say, I would think of Peg and smile, because the saying on the mug is:
"We are such good friends, if we were on a sinking ship and there was only one life preserver left, I'd miss you terribly and think of you often."
Now, more than ever, I think of her each...

Dear "Uncle" Bruce & family -
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We remember the kind words you shared with us after Kristof's death. God bless. "Aunt" Peggy was one heck of a great lady, and will always be remembered by us for her great laugh and her incredible love of life. We loved her wonderful spirit. It will always be with you. Love,

(from a life-long friend of our children)
Dear Kelley, Sam, Jeff and Doctor Stoler:
Your mother was always the nicest person to me, all the years growing up in Longmeadow. Your dad and mom always have been close to my heart, as well as all of you.
I know that she is in Heaven right now, home with her son Brad, and with our Lord. Your mom was such a good and caring person, she will be missed, very much.
My deepest sympathy, Love, Danny

I was so sorry to hear of Peg's death. She was a patient and knowledgeable teacher and mentor when I was starting as the medical librarian at the Providence Hospital, replacing Peg as she moved on to become the librarian at the Springfield Academy of Medicine. I think I called her every day for two months asking for help with some library problem. Her intelligence and great common sense were an inspiration. Our prayers are with the family.

As Director of the Springfield Science Museum, and on behalf of us all, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy. Peg was like family to us and we are going to miss her very much. For 14 years she was my volunteer and helped me organize the museum's permanent collections, doing things I would never have accomplished on my own. I will always remember her warmth, friendliness, and her sense of humor. Sincerely,

I remember Peggy saying to me at least thirty years ago after she'd been planting bulbs, "Do you ever wonder if you will be around (alive) to see the bulbs come up?" I never plant bulbs without thinking of her question. I also remember Peg working so hard on her historic research. Her life was certainly a life well lived! I'm glad I knew her and I shall miss knowing she's at the other end of our e-mail. Our heads are full of memories of bridge nights, New Year's Eve parties, visits to your...

Margaret Adele (Gallagher) Stoler, 73, of 81 Laurel Lane, Longmeadow, died January 16, 2003 surrounded by her family. Margaret (Peg) was well-known in Longmeadow as an active member of many civic organizations and as a long-time volunteer in local hospitals, at the Springfield Science Museum, and in the Rachel's Table food collection and delivery program. At the time of her death she was a strong supporter and a member of the Governing Board of Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. ...

Peg and I met 15 years ago at the Springfield Science Museum. One morning a week (Tuesdays) we worked on inventory together. We enjoyed our work so much. "Look at this, Carolyn - isn't it beautiful" - a rock, mineral or a shell. "Isn't Mother Nature wonderful?" We had many laughs together and shed a few tears together.
One time Peg was in the stacks working on rocks when I heard a crash. Are you all right? "Yes." Does Dave have two specimens instead of one? "Yes." O.K., I won't...