Peggy Pascal

Last October, Peggy told her husband of 53 years, Harry, that she was "packing her bags," having accomplished all she had hoped to in her 74 years. True to form, Peggy ended her life on her own terms, with her beloved family by her side. Peggy often described her life as a series of hurdles, but with each challenge, she found "silver linings" that deepened her appreciation for life. Everyone who knew her understood that she never dwelled on physical struggles-even those that began in early childhood when walking with leg braces was a battle. Her motto was always: *Keep moving forward.* Her proudest moments were watching her daughters, Becca Oppenheim and Stephie Hirsh, grow into loving, strong women who married wonderful men-Dan Oppenheim and Joel Hirsh. Nothing made Peggy happier than having her five grandchildren close by. She hoped Avery Oppenheim, Charlie Oppenheim, Mollie Hirsh, Caroline Hirsh, and Levi Hirsh would live their lives to the fullest, be kind to everyone they meet, and always pursue their passions. Peggy's own passion was music. It began at age five on the piano, and by age seven, she was the youngest camper ever at Interlochen Music Camp. Her connection with Interlochen continued into adulthood, where she served for many summers as chair of the class piano program. Her music career evolved over time-from elementary music teaching in Highland Park, IL, to college instruction, and eventually to the recording studio. The *Music is Magic* record series was born from a collaboration with her dear friend Jill Maling, who wrote the lyrics while Peggy composed the music. With husband Harry loyally in tow as the "equipment schlepper," the *Music is Magic* band toured the country, spreading joy to children and families nationwide. Eventually, her focus turned to raising Becca and Stephie, but Peggy was just beginning the most cherished part of her career: teaching piano. She found deep joy in working with young students, building strong relationships that often lasted into their adulthood. Staying in touch with them and seeing the impact she had on their lives was profoundly meaningful to her. Peggy's life has come to a close, but her legacy lives on-in every student she taught, every note she played, and every heart she touched. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to, The Peggy Pascal, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Memorial Scholarship, https://give.interlochen.org/peggypascal Memorial service Tuesday June 10, 2025, 2:00 PM at North Shore Congregation Israel, 1185 Sheridan Road, Glencoe. For information, including a link to view the service online, shiva, and to leave condolences, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.