MYERS,
MARGARET CATHERINE
1933-2024
Margaret (Peggy) Myers, 90, of Cape May Point, NJ, and Fort Myers, FL, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Charles Gorla and Augusta (Galten) Gorla, Peggy was the middle of three daughters, predeceased by her elder sister, Rita. Peggy's mother's family were recent immigrants from Denmark, and they often reunited on Long Island at the home of Augusta's sisters. Surrounded by gardens, woods, streams, and wildlife, these gatherings provided a reprieve from city life and nurtured Peggy's lifelong love for nature.
The time spent on Long Island, close to nature, instilled in Peggy a deep appreciation for wildlife. She traveled extensively, observing diverse ecosystems around the world and eventually became an avid birder. In her later years, she volunteered at the Cape May Bird Observatory, dedicating her time to her passion.
In 1959, Peggy married Bill Myers in Kenmore, NY, and together they had three daughters: Lisa, Stephanie, and Laura. The family lived in Westfield and Cape May Point, NJ. Despite the challenges of raising three daughters during their middle school years and supporting her husband's demanding career in NYC, Peggy pursued her college degree at Kean College, graduating summa cum laude. She went on to work as a high school librarian and English teacher.
Peggy was actively involved in the civil rights and feminist movements. She marched on Washington, canvassed door-to-door, and took on numerous roles to support these causes. When Westfield public schools began integrating, she volunteered at the historically Black community center, involving her daughters in supporting integration efforts.
A lover of literature, Peggy deeply valued the power of language and education. She founded the first Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) program in Cape May County, transforming the lives of many adults who participated. Her civic dedication and contributions to the status of women earned her the Alice Stokes Paul Award.
Peggy's welcoming nature, sense of humor, kindness, and generosity will be remembered fondly. She demonstrated immense courage and strength in her commitment to social justice, fearlessly participating in demonstrations and advocating for young, adjudicated adolescents. She quietly empowered struggling adults with the gift of literacy and language.
Peggy was devoted to her daughters and grandchildren, spending countless hours traveling with them, playing word games, building Legos, and reading, much of it in her beloved home in Cape May Point.
Predeceased by her husband Bill of 65 years, Peggy is survived by her daughters Lisa (son-in-law Tim Loucks), Stephanie, and Laura; her grandchildren Austin, Hannah, Jake, Michael, William, and Nathan; her great-grandchildren Julian and Danika; her sister Charlene Casseri; and five nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Peggy's memory can be made to Alzheimer's New Jersey, 424 Eagle Rock Ave #203, Roseland, NJ 07068.
A celebration of Peggy's and Bill's lives will take place together at the Overlook restaurant in the Cape May Ferry Terminal on November 23rd from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A private inurnment for Peggy and Bill will take place on November 24th at Cold Spring Cemetery in Cape May.
