Obituary of Margaret A. Hlavacek

Margaret Anne Hlavacek (Peggy) of Pine Bush, NY passed away Sunday July 24, 2022 at home surrounded by love, many memories shared, and most of all her family.  She was 82 years old.  Born on March 3rd 1940 in Napanoch, NY, Margaret was the 7th child of 9 siblings to the late  George Benjamin and Daisy Churchill.Margaret’s love of the Yankees was passed down from her mother and not a game was missed from her living room with Lou by her side. She would pack her children into the station wagon and attend the DIRT track racing at Orange County Fair Speedway to cheer on her Lou while he raced.  Margaret continued her passion for racing and if she rooted for you then you had a fan for life. If she did not cheer for you, it was known.  She loved Sudoku, LRC, and winning Solitaire  (even if there was a little behind the scenes card shuffling going on).  She enjoyed long car rides and our family recently drove around Sullivan County for a wedding anniversary to take in 9 covered bridges which is now foremost to many family memories.  Her favorite words for which she was given a sweatshirt were “Let’s Eat Out !!” People will remember Peggy, Lou and Judy sitting at Dunkin Donuts in THEIR seats. The ride for a Dallas Hot Weiner in Kingston, NY or a way up-state ride for a piece of Brooks Chicken was not unheard of.  But her go to spot on any given Friday night for a simple bowl of broccoli cheese soup was the Quickway Diner where Teek, Vee, and the staff always made her feel special. A special thank you must go out to those who helped us through this difficult time. Our Hospice team, ToniAnne, Ann, nurses Heather, Gina, Kathleen, Pastoral Laura for being there to share  our special way to celebrate our matriarch and Melanie for extra guidance. Survivors include her devoted husband Louis Hlavacek, daughters Joni Call and her partner, Jeffrey Hulseapple, Dale Mance and her partner Michael Carroll, and Judy Hlavacek at home.  Margaret’s grandchildren who were never without the love of their grandmother, Curtis Lewis and his wife Mikayla, Olivia Mance and sister Samantha Mance. Margaret is also survived by her sister in-laws Gerry Benjamin, (FL), Jean Benjamin (FL) and  sister Kathy & husband Robert Crawford (SC).  As well as numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews who adored their “Aunt Peggy”.  We cannot forget her extended family while employed at Ellenville National Bank.  Besides her parents, Margaret is predeceased by her infant son John, best friend and sister Carolyn and her husband Peter Hunt, sister MaryLou and her husband Joe Stedner, brothers Kenny Benjamin, George Benjamin, sisters Barbara Stinehour, Betty George and Lois Houck. There will be a private memorial service at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date for all family and friends.