Margaret Janette Deterling Gillen

Margaret Deterling Gillen (Peg) passed away on February 3, 2016 at the age of 99. She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Vincent, who died December 30, 2015. Margaret is survived by her three children, Nancy Talbott and her husband James of New Bern, Donald Gillen and his wife Cheryl of Ravena, NY, and David Gillen and his wife Julie of Baltimore, Maryland; grandchildren, Taryn Clark (Eric), Christopher Talbott (Elizabeth), Heather Malick, and Justin Gillen (Stephanie); great grandchildren, Lilliana Clark, Alexandra Clark and Brady Malick. She was also predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Nancy Seaman Gillen. Peg was born to Janette and William Deterling in New York City on November 2, 1916, but grew up in Freeport, Long Island. She attended St. Lawrence University and graduated magna cum laude. Peg taught French in Rensselaer Falls, NY and Center Moriches, Long Island where she met and married Vincent Gillen in 1942. Following the war years, they moved to Ellenville, NY where Peg was active in St. John's Episcopal Church and served as chairperson of the volunteer services of the Ellenville Community Hospital. The three Gillen children were born in Ellenville. Vincent and Peg moved the family to Blauvelt, NY in 1967, where Peg continued her volunteer work at Rockland Psychiatric Hospital, Christ Episcopal Church in Sparkill, NY, and with Meals- On-Wheels. Peg was a beautiful and kind woman who helped family and friends alike, supported many charities while freely volunteering her time, and was loved by all. She enjoyed reading all types of literature and was also proficient in French and Latin. She likewise enjoyed tennis, books and films about travel and was a fine bridge player. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 15, 2016 at 2 pm at Christ Episcopal Church on Pollock Street in New Bern. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Smile Train at P.O. Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090 or Christ Episcopal Church at 320 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28563.