Margaret Thompson Bansemer

1926 - 2022

Margaret Thompson Bansemer, 96, of East Hartford went to be with the Lord Saturday, October 29, 2022 at home surrounded by her loving children. She was the devoted wife of the late William C. Bansemer for 75 years until his passing in 2020. "Peg" was born October 23, 1926 in Hartford, CT daughter of the late Elmer and Viola (Cooper) Thompson and raised in East Glastonbury, CT where she attended the one-room Neipsic School, eventually graduating from Glastonbury High School in 1943. She belonged to the Glastonbury United Methodist Church, having been a member since 1932. After her marriage to Bill in 1945, they built their home in East Hartford where they raised their three children and remained throughout their lives. Peg is survived by her three devoted children, James Bansemer and wife Coleen, of Colchester, Heidi Bengraff and husband Bill, of Windsor and Jacqueline Almeida of Canton; six adored grandchildren, Jesse, Elaina, Maggie, Marie, Liz and Ben; along with 22 cherished great grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Barbara Norige. When her sister passed, Peg knew her niece, Laura, had lost a grandmother. Though she was always known as "Aunt Peg" to Laura, in Peg's heart she filled a grandmother's role and they formed a special bond. Peg was also predeceased by two special friends, Vera "Sis" Spooner and Rachel Munger. Music was a magical part of her life, singing with the church choir in her younger days and performing as soloist at her high school graduation. She surprised many with her ability to play the bugle and loved the big band sounds and the up and coming musicals of Broadway - Carousel being her favorite. Peg enjoyed her gardens while providing a space for the birds to feed. She cared for and loved many cats over the years who were companions while she tended the flowers or swam in her backyard pool. Peg followed the Red Sox from the days of early radio and more recently UCONN Women's Basketball while also enjoying a good golf match. She was an avid bowler for many years creating friendships that lasted a lifetime. Many summers were spent vacationing on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, providing sweet and lasting memories with good friends, the Spooners and the Mungers, who grew to become extended family. Her love of loons and their soothing call will remind us always of those wonderful days. Peg was a sweet spirit that tried always to put the feelings of others before her own. Her volunteer work with the Red Cross exemplified her heart of caring. She was all about her family. Holidays, especially Christmas, were important to her and she worked very hard to make them special and create sweet memories for everyone. A private service will take place at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, 386 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457. Peg's funeral arrangements have been entrusted to D'Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel. To extend online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopoeh.com.