Margaret Perkins

Cape Cod Hospital on February 15th. Formerly of West Hartford, Ct., she had been living at

the Cape since 1981.

Born on Sept.11, 1923 in Hartford,Ct. she was the daughter of the late Richard and Marjorie Maercklein. She graduated from Oxford School in Hartford and Erskine College in Boston.

Peggy worked as a secretary at The State Capitol in Hartford for a few years. She was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels in Hartford and Orleans. She was a member of The General Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was a lifelong member of Hartford Tennis Club where her father was an original member. Hartford Tennis Club celebrated its 75th anniversary last June. Peggy was among a hand full of members who had a court named in her honor. She served on the board of directors and maintained her tennis friendships after she moved to the Cape. It was on Cape Cod where Peggy found her special place in paradise. She loved being outdoors in the salt air, whether she was taking long walks on Nauset Beach or entertaining friends on her tennis court. Her home on the Cape brought her a true feeling of happiness and pleasure. Her 90th birthday was celebrated with a short but intense rally on her tennis court against her daughter.

Peggy leaves her daughter Gail Perkins-Gemme of Avon,Ct. and Orleans,Ma.,a son in law Robert R. Gemme, a niece Ann Rossow of Boylston,Ma., three nephews Thomas Maercklein of Branford,Ct., Peter Maercklein of Centerville, a., Andrew Maercklein of Swampscott,Ma. and a cousin Cynthia Dupont of NY, NY. She is predeceased by her brother Richard "Goodwin" Maercklein. She is reunited with her dog, Buff, who was a loyal and constant companion for 16 years. Her love for animals was manifested in her devotion to all her daughter's dogs - Tyler, Hana, Carlee, Gent, Brewster and Oliver.

A celebration of her life will be private and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations would be appreciated to: Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary, PO Box 673, Bloomfield, Ct 06002, wwwourcompanions.org. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com