Obituary of Margaret G. Peeler

Peeler, Margaret Graham passed away Monday, November 12, 2007, at her home. Preceded in death by her parents Judge and Mrs. W. S. Graham, Margaret is survived by her son Edward Peeler; her grandson Eddie Peeler; her granddaughters Marcella (John) Galli, Kim (John) Morrow, and Michelle Green; great grandchildren Corrina and Evan Galli; and her siblings William and John Graham and Katherine Graham Avant and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and friends. Margaret was a graduate of Hillsborough High School and the Florida State College for Women (later Florida State University) where she pursued her distinguished academic career earning a Master’s degree and pursuing a doctorate in English and Reading. Like her mother, Margaret taught at Hillsborough High School; unlike her mother who was a Latin teacher, Margaret taught English and was the yearbook sponsor at Hillsborough. Throughout her career, Margaret inspired generations of students and teachers as a creative and thoughtful teacher of reading and English literature at Memorial Junior High School, Hillsborough High School, and Leto High School where she served as department head. There she created innovative programs like the minicourses where selected topics like American Indian Literature were taught, years before their inclusion in other high schools and colleges. Margaret’s tenure as department head modeled teaching excellence and creativity for every teacher lucky enough to learn from her. Because of her guidance especially of new teachers, Margaret’s influence extended far beyond her own classroom to the classrooms of those teachers still teaching three decades later. Even in retirement, Margaret mentored and tutored at risk students, winning the Governor’s Mentor of Excellence award. Margaret’s intellectual curiosity and drive never waned; she became expert in genealogy, computers, philosophy and even tax preparation. She never lost sight of the tenets of her faith and thoughtfully supported the First Amendment's separation of church and state as a member of the local chapter of Americans United. Her love of literature never dimmed and her knowledge of quotes and authors- from medieval to contemporary- delighted her friends. Margaret’s love of learning made her a lifelong learner and an inspiration to all who knew her. Her lively intellect and wealth of friends led her to a lifelong passion for bridge; more than one bridge circle will be missing her terribly. A model of “grace under pressure,” Margaret was unflappable, widely known for her Peelerisms, perfectly apt and insightful understatements. Despite her many accomplishments and her wide-ranging knowledge, Margaret remained beloved, unpretentious, and fun all of her life. Her family, her students, her colleagues, her bridge partners, and her friends have lost a legend and an exemplar of how to live every single moment. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Lifepath Hospice in Margaret’s memory. A Memorial Celebration of this great lady will be held Sunday, December 16th with visitation from 3-4 pm and the service at 4pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 412 Zack Street, in downtown Tampa. A reception will follow.