Obituary of Margaret Boese

Peggy was born December 14, 1930 in East St. Louis, Illinois to the late Norma Kohl and Wallace Wright. She was raised in Belleville, Illinois as the older sister to Sister Rebecca (Clara Jo), Wallace Jr. and Robert. Peggy was a spunky, sprite young woman full of hope and ambition. At age 19 she married John (Jack) Boese and over the course of next thirty years she raised seven children: Martha (m. John Christian chldn. Michael, Matthew); Marc (m. Karen Molito chldn. Cheryl, Marc Anthony); Matthew (m. Elizabeth Laky chldn. Samuel, George, James); Roger (m. Gina Herbert chldn. Holly, Benjamin, Jack, Andrew); John (m. Catherine Aloi chldn. Rebecca, Jack, Sara Beth, Timothy); Adam (m. Liese Groeger chldn. Adam II, Katherine, Paul, Samuel, Anna); Jill (m. Trent Stamp chldn. Hope, Luke). Peggy earned two degrees over those same thirty years: B.A. English (Monmouth College); M.A. English (Rutgers University). She was an avid writer and artist. Her home was decorated with and renowned for her multi-media visual art creations. She became a college Professor of English and a book editor. Her deft use of language not only allowed her to express herself through witty and lively dialogue, poetry and prose, but she helped each of her children discover their voice and then helped countless students discover theirs. The influence of language and art pervades throughout the lives of her children and grandchildren and her unique approach to life will impact generations to come. Peggy was physically strong and active and she loved the outdoors, especially Riddle Beach at Manasquan, NJ (where she could be seen doing the NY Times crossword puzzle) and Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold, NJ (where she could be seen with an easel and paints). She religiously took a two mile daily walk. Peggy hated snakes and mice. H-a-t-e-d. She loved sweets and desserts, especially homemade cookies (chocolate chip and oatmeal were favorites). She was known for eclectic cooking (turketti, homemade granola - a favorite of Jack's, cheese strata, and other concoctions). Peggy loved driving sporty cars. Jack indulged her with MGs and Fiats. The last car Peggy bought was a bright red Mazda "3". Peggy maintained her motivation and optimism throughout her life. This innate glow was passed on in her house and her classroom and it continues to create goodness and hope to those lucky enough to encounter a ripple effect of her life. Peggy, 84, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2015 at St. Joseph of the Pines, Southern Pines, NC. Nurses at St. Joseph's fondly speak of Peggy dancing with them and of her endearing sweetness. Visitation will be held at Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton Adelphia Rd (Route 524), Freehold Township, NJ on Friday, February 20, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 10am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 16 McLean Street, Freehold, NJ where the Boese family attended while living in Freehold. Peggy will be buried next to her husband, Jack, at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Arneytown, NJ. For information, directions or condolence messages, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com. It should never be said that "Peggy will be missed". When you find someone who knew Peggy and you mention her name you will immediately notice a brightening of their demeanor. It is then that you will understand that "Peggy" will forever remain very much alive.