Margaret R. Scheffler

Margaret R. Scheffler ("Peg") passed away peacefully at home on January 6, 2025. She was
predeceased in 2022 by her loving husband of over forty years, Rev. Richard H. Scheffler
("Dick").
Peg graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Nursing in 1958. As an RN, she began her
career as a public health nurse in St. Lawrence County and retired as a school nurse teacher at
G. Ray Bodley High School in Fulton, NY. Through her career, she cared for babies, children,
teenagers, adults and the elderly, in many nursing capacities. Her greatest pride was working
with teen moms teaching them parenting and life skills and helping/encouraging them to
pursue and finish their education. After retirement, she teamed with and worked along-side
her pastor/husband by visiting the ill and those convalescing in hospitals, nursing homes, and at
home. She cared deeply about societal issues such as health inequity, poverty, human rights,
housing and employment for immigrant families, women and children's health, access to
healthcare including abortion and family planning. She actively lived her beliefs by canvassing
for signatures, sending postcards, distributing signs, making contributions and by helping to
bring together like-minded people that later became the Democratic Committee of Schroeppel/
Phoenix (NY). Peg was a lifetime member of the Schroeppel Historical Society, a long-time
Plank Road Quilt Guild member, and served as newsletter editor/class recorder for her SU
nursing class of 1958.
Margaret R. Scheffler was born in Syracuse, NY to the late Alberta Scheurlein and John Rex Jr.
She attended Edward Smith School through 8th grade and graduated from Mt Kisco High School
in 1953 before enrolling in SU's nursing program. An accomplished quilter, she was known for
her prowess in Scrabble and Bridge, her gardening skills, and her devotion to her husband and
their family. Peg cherished summer treks to Groton NY to participate in the annual Scheffler
family reunion, and hosting holidays and Sunday meals in her home.
In addition to her husband, Peg is predeceased by her parents, twin sister Clara Lawson, first
husband James Charles, and stepdaughter Katherine Scheffler. Peg is survived by a brother
John Rex; sister Stephanie Hobby; her children: James (Katy) Scheffler, Jennifer (Vincenzo)
Fuschino, Mary Elizabeth Helander, and Stephanie (Steven) Cushman; grandchildren Cassidy,
Maria, Jessica, Jacob, Zoe, Rebecca, Holly, Julian; great-granddaughter Aleah; and many
cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.
Peg's family is deeply appreciative of Pamela Sisson's care team, Hospice of CNY (Hooray for
Nurses, Health Aids, and Care Assistants!) and to the providers and staff at Upstate Community
Hospital.
Contributions in Peg Scheffler's memory are encouraged to: The Interfaithworks of CNY
(https://www.interfaithworkscny.org/donate/), an organization Peg adored.
There will be calling hours at 10 A.M. followed by an 11 A.M. service celebrating Peg's life on
Saturday, January 25, 2025 in The First Congregational UCC of Phoenix, NY (43 Bridge St., Phoenix, NY13135. The CNY Nurses Honor Guard will also take part by offering a special "Nightingale" Tribute to Peg for her selfless commitment to the Nursing Profession.
Allanson-Glanville-Tappan Funeral Home has care of Margaret's arrangements. agtfuneralhome.com.