Obituary for Margaret "Peggy" Shantz (Stephenson)
Margaret Stephenson Shantz
Avon - Oldwick, NJ, passed peacefully in her sleep on June 17, 2022, she was 87 years old.
Born in Avon, NY, on Sept. 7, 1934, Peggy was the eldest daughter of the late Frank and Margaret Stephenson. Her faith in God and devotion to the Methodist Church gave her the strength to withstand the challenges of Polio, Cancer, and the loss of her husband John Edson Shantz, her son John Stephenson Shantz, and her son in law, Derek Van Eck. Peggy graduated from Avon Central High School in 1952, one of only two women in her class to advance to University. Peggy graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Rochester in 1956.
It was at U of R that she met her husband John whom she married in 1956. Peggy’s career spanned a range of vocations. Her career started as an Art teacher and Artist. As a professional fundraiser her positions included, V. P., Outward Bound, and director of development for; New Jersey State College, Centenary University, and United Methodist Homes of NJ.
She volunteered at NJ Public Broadcasting, was president of the board of directors at Bonnie Brae School and served on the board of the NJ Historical Society. Peggy continued to be an active member of the Whitehouse Methodist Church.
Beyond her career accomplishments, Peggy was known for her insatiable curiosity, quick wit, and drive to experience life to the fullest. She was a faithful fan of her beloved Mets, attending training camps, became an avid race fan, attending several GTP IMSA races, and soloed as an airplane pilot in her 50’s. Peggy traveled the world as a spectator and co-pilot. She crossed the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean in a single engine plane, stopping at multiple countries along the way. She was a exceptional gardener and orchard expert. When not gardening she could be found devouring mystery novels, which she loved. Peggy and John raised their family in Bernardsville then moving to Oldwick where she resided until her passing.
Margaret is survived by her brother, Steve (Carol) Stephenson, Avon NY, Victoria Shima, Tenafly NJ, her daughters Leslie Shantz and Deborah VanEck, her daughter in law Jacquie Shantz, sister in law Christina Shantz, four grand-children and one great grand child.
Her graveside service will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11AM at the Avon Cemetery, Avon (North Ave. entrance). If you would like to make a charitable donation in Peggy’s name, please choose a charity that is dear to your heart.
Avon - Oldwick, NJ, passed peacefully in her sleep on June 17, 2022, she was 87 years old.
Born in Avon, NY, on Sept. 7, 1934, Peggy was the eldest daughter of the late Frank and Margaret Stephenson. Her faith in God and devotion to the Methodist Church gave her the strength to withstand the challenges of Polio, Cancer, and the loss of her husband John Edson Shantz, her son John Stephenson Shantz, and her son in law, Derek Van Eck. Peggy graduated from Avon Central High School in 1952, one of only two women in her class to advance to University. Peggy graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Rochester in 1956.
It was at U of R that she met her husband John whom she married in 1956. Peggy’s career spanned a range of vocations. Her career started as an Art teacher and Artist. As a professional fundraiser her positions included, V. P., Outward Bound, and director of development for; New Jersey State College, Centenary University, and United Methodist Homes of NJ.
She volunteered at NJ Public Broadcasting, was president of the board of directors at Bonnie Brae School and served on the board of the NJ Historical Society. Peggy continued to be an active member of the Whitehouse Methodist Church.
Beyond her career accomplishments, Peggy was known for her insatiable curiosity, quick wit, and drive to experience life to the fullest. She was a faithful fan of her beloved Mets, attending training camps, became an avid race fan, attending several GTP IMSA races, and soloed as an airplane pilot in her 50’s. Peggy traveled the world as a spectator and co-pilot. She crossed the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean in a single engine plane, stopping at multiple countries along the way. She was a exceptional gardener and orchard expert. When not gardening she could be found devouring mystery novels, which she loved. Peggy and John raised their family in Bernardsville then moving to Oldwick where she resided until her passing.
Margaret is survived by her brother, Steve (Carol) Stephenson, Avon NY, Victoria Shima, Tenafly NJ, her daughters Leslie Shantz and Deborah VanEck, her daughter in law Jacquie Shantz, sister in law Christina Shantz, four grand-children and one great grand child.
Her graveside service will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11AM at the Avon Cemetery, Avon (North Ave. entrance). If you would like to make a charitable donation in Peggy’s name, please choose a charity that is dear to your heart.