Margaret Love Stevens

Margaret "Peggy" Love Stevens, formerly of New York City and Waccabuc, New York, passed away peacefully, on May 3, at Maplewood Senior Living, in Darien, Connecticut, at the age of 90. She was predeceased by her beloved second husband, Norton Stevens, and her dear brother, Howard "Pete" Love. She is survived by her sister, Sally Love Downey, and four daughters (by the late Philip C. Wright), Marnie Wright, Lissa Hazel (Tim), Julie Ziv, Amy Wright and their six children, and by her stepdaughters, Shirley Sperka (Otto), Gwenn Langmack and their five children.

Peggy was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Margaret McClintic and George H. Love, chairman of Consolidation Coal Company and the Chrysler Corporation. She was a graduate of the Westover School and Vassar College and received a master's degree from Bank Street College of Education in New York. Her interest in early childhood education led her to found with others the Shady Lane School in Pittsburgh and serve as the co-chair of its first board. After moving to New York in 1970, she served on the boards of Bank Street College and Children of Bellevue, where she was instrumental in starting and then directed the Child Life Program.

Peggy was an avid gardener, cook, reader and learner, and was happiest in the company of her family and friends. She was a great conversationalist, always seeking out what made people unique and authentic. She had a wonderful sense of style and eye for design, and was always willing to take chances. Her beautiful blue eyes, genuine smile and sense of humor remained a constant to the end of her days. She enjoyed the companionship of her beloved caregivers, Dory Palma and Karen Anderson, and the care from the staff at Maplewood, for which her family will be eternally grateful.