Margaret R. Beecher-Hlavacek

Mrs. Margaret Rose Beecher-Hlavacek passed away peacefully at the UConn Medical Center with her husband of 36 years at her side, on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.Peg was born on April 28, 1943, in Torrington CT. to Isabella (O'Heron) and Donald Beecher. She was the beloved wife of Major James Jordan Hlavacek, USAF (Ret.). In addition to her husband James, she is survived by a son Michael Cellerino and his wife Kristen and grandchildren, Trevor, Sophie and MacKenzie. Her daughter Maria Schweyer and her husband Joseph and grandchildren Lizzie, Ben and Katie, stepson James J. Hlavacek, Jr. and his wife Jennifer and grandchildren, Emma and James. Stepson Scott Hlavacek and his wife Danielle and grandchildren, Colin and Mikayla. Also, an older brother Stephen Beecher, and sister Donna Zuffalatto, as well as a younger brother, D. Wayne Beecher, and sister Debbie Pasquale. Peggy graduated from Torrington High School in 1961, was the Class Belle, and a Cheerleader Co-Captain in her senior year. Peg's professional education included a Sixth-Year Diploma in Professional Education, University of Connecticut; Master of Science in Education (reading concentration) Central Connecticut State University; Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Southern Maine. Peg's most recent position was with the West Hartford Public School System. Peg was Principal of Bugbee Elementary School, 2005-2010; Principal of Charter Oak Elementary School, 1997-2005; and Town Wide Instructional Leader for Gifted and Talented in all eleven elementary schools as well as the two middle schools, 1987-1997.Peg earned several awards: Distinguished Outstanding School Administrator for 2007, University of Connecticut Alumni Association; Awarded Citation for Achievement for First Year Principal, Elementary/Middle school Principals Association; Finalist, National Distinguished Principal Award. Peg's earlier career included positions with; Education Connection, Litchfield, CT; elementary teaching positions in: Harwinton/Burlington, Winchester, and the Goshen Center School. In addition, Peg was a Site Coordinator and Instructional Leader for summer programs at the University of Connecticut Neag School of Education for over 30 years. Member Adjunct Faculty St. Joseph College, West Hartford, CT Margaret Beecher was an author, her book: Developing the Gifts and Talents of All Students in the Regular Classroom (1995), and many articles in professional journals. Peg conducted hundreds of teacher workshops during her career; she had a passion for training & improving teachers' skills, each workshop would last from 1 to 5 days, and include topics like Differentiation & Compacting the Curriculum & Performance-Based Assessment. In addition to the United States, Peg did workshops in Japan (for DoD teachers), Canada, England & Switzerland. Peg was an extraordinary woman, wife, mother and friend to many. She loved life and always, always had the biggest smile of her face. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. Enjoyed winter vacations in Ft. Myers Fl and attending plays at the Bushnell. She loved a recent River Cruise in Europe. Peggy will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UConn Foundation for a scholarship fund for the NEAG School of Education to be endowed in her name. http://www.foundation.uconn.edu/give-onlineFuneral Services will be held Tuesday Oct. 18 at 11 AM at Saint Francis Church with burial following at Winchester Center Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 5-7 PM at Phalen Funeral Home in Torrington. www.phalenfuneral.com