Marguerite “Peggy” Caramia, a longtime resident of Cumberland Head, Plattsburgh, New York, died Aug. 23, 2017, a few days before her 100th birthday.
Peggy was born Aug. 28, 1917 in Chester, England, one of seven children of the late Thomas and Maud Margaret Compton. She was predeceased by five of her brothers and sisters, and is survived by her brother, David Compton of Southampton, England.
Peggy was a registered nurse and was part of the Emergency Medical Service, which took care of the civilians during World War II. After Dunkirk, they mostly took care of wounded British soldiers. In 1942, she met a young American Second Lieutenant, John A. Caramia Sr., and after several years of courtship they were married. Their first son John Jr. was born in Chester, England. John was discharged from the Army in September 1946 and he returned to Albany State University to complete his Master’s Degree in Education. Marguerite was able to join her husband in November 1947.
After completing his degree, John and Marguerite moved to Schroon Lake, New York, where he was the Social Studies teacher for grades 8-12. While living in Schroon Lake their second son Thomas was born.
She wrote the local news for the Glens Falls Times and the Elizabethtown newspaper. During the summer, Peggy was in charge of the town library. She also assisted with Aqua Night, a historic pageant performed each summer on Schroon Lake. They moved to Plattsburgh during the summer of 1963. John joined the education department at SUNY Plattsburgh to teach social studies methods and supervise student teachers.
Since 1965, Marguerite and John were very active members of the local Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and she will always be remembered for her reading of the Christmas Story at the Christmas Eve Service.
Her greatest job was her grandchildren, whether making special baked goods or starting a bonfire on the beach. Her kindness and generosity was not limited to her family as she touched the lives of many. Marguerite was a very avid reader, enjoyed doing crosswords, and loved tending to her garden.
On July 2010, Marguerite’s husband of 66 years passed away. She now joins the love of her life.
She is survived by two sons, John A. Caramia Jr. and wife Sarah of Mathews, Virginia, Thomas Caramia and wife Donna of Plattsburgh; three granddaughters, Christi Caramia of Califon, New Jersey, and Sierra and Marina Caramia of Plattsburgh.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marguerite’s memory may be made to charity of your choice.
To share a photo, story, or condolence with Marguerite’s family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.
R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, New York 12901, was in charge.