Peggy Handelsman,75, of Westmoreland, NY, left this world to join her loved ones who passed before her.

Peggy was born in Passaic, NJ, the youngest daughter of Sylvia E. and US Army Attorney  Philip Handelsman.

She was  an exceptional child, learning to read well before entering kindergarten. Her love of reading stayed with her through adulthood. She often read  3 to 4 books per week. Always  an exemplary student. Peggy skipped two grades in elementary school and was the youngest in her high school graduating class.

Peggy attended Edward Williams College, where she earned an Associates degree. She then enrolled in William Peterson College now University of New Jersey. A member of the Honor Society she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in education. She later attended several semesters at Keane College of New Jersey.

Peggy was employed by the Passaic School System and taught fourth grade. She then taught the English half of a Spanish Bi-Lingual program in Second grade for several years. She spent the rest of her career in grade one.

In 1989 Peggy moved to Westmoreland,NY. She owned and operated Health  Food Plus in Oneida. Later, she was a partner  in Miss Molly's Mixed Bag, along with her sister, Barbara. The two sisters also knitted and crocheted winter hats by the hundreds and donated them to both the Rome and Utica Rescue Missions.

Peggy worked briefly at the Masonic Care Community and then joined the Presbyterian Home of CNY, where she was a social worker until her retirement in 2014.

In the past, Peggy was active in canine obedience training and competition. She often participated in pet therapy visits at local nursing homes. She belonged to Mohawk Valley Dog Training Club, Syracuse Obedience Training Club and was Vice President of Rough Riders Agility Club.

Peggy leaves behind her treasured niece and her husband, Stacey H and David B Eastman, of Westmoreland, NY. She also leaves a sister Merrily La Scala Faust of Cedar Grave, NJ and a niece Larissa Flowers and her family. In addition she leaves her cherished canine baby Ivy Jane. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister Barbara  Handelsman.

In accordance with Peggy's wishes, there will be no services. If you choose to offer a remembrance of Peggy, please make a donation in her name to your local animal shelter or Rescue or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Arrangements under the guidance of John L Matt Funeral Home, Chadwicks,NY