Margaret Mary "Peggy" Obst

1939 - 2025

Margaret Mary "Peggy" Obst passed away on Aug. 15, 2025 at 86 years of age. She was the only child of Joseph and Anastasia Dowdall Schenk. Born on Feb. 1, 1939, Peggy was raised in Philadelphia, where she attended St. Stephens Catholic School. At fifteen years of age, she married Fred Obst, the love of her life. She and Fred had seven children.
During the early years of their marriage, Fred served in the Navy. While he was stationed in Key West in the 1950s, Peggy fell in love with the Sunshine State. The family returned north after Fred's stint with the Navy, but Peggy never forgot the beauty and warmth of the sunny south. In 1972 she and Fred permanently relocated to Florida. They lived in Clearwater for more than a decade before settling in Monticello in Jefferson County, where they would spend the rest of their life.
Peggy worked for many years as a data entry clerk at the Pinellas County courthouse and served as receptionist at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. She had many interests in life, including reading, astronomy, spending time in the sun, and traveling. She and Fred loved cruising and were diamond members of the Royal Caribbean cruise line. Peggy also enjoyed films and popular music and was president of the local Tom Jones fan club.
Peggy was a natural pet-lover and always had animals in her home. She was the proud owner of numerous dogs and dozens of cats and found joy in caring for and rehabilitating the occasional wild animal, including squirrels, raccoons, opossums, and gopher tortoises.
Peggy and Fred were blessed with fifty-three years of married life together. Through good times and bad, they remained devoted to each other. A highlight of their marriage was their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 2004, after which they enjoyed a special cruise with their children.
Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Joseph Obst (1935-2008), and her sons Fred Jr. and Adam. She is survived by two sons, Richard (Rhonda) and Brian (Bonnie); three daughters, Desiree Sheats (Philip), Robin Pollara (Philip), Karen Hardy (Jack); one daughter-in-law, Lisa Obst; 20 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Peggy will always be remembered for her spunky personality, her vitality, and her love of life. Her family and friends will cherish her memory. A drop-in reception to celebrate her life will be held at the Monticello Women's Club on Saturday, August 23, from 2:00-5:00 p.m.