Margaret "Peggy" Celski

Margaret “Peggy” Celski, of New Baltimore, formerly of Livonia, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at the age of 97. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a woman of deep Catholic faith whose greatest joy was her family.

Peggy was born on June 15, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Vincent and Helen Bachorek. She grew up in the Polish communities of west side Detroit near Warren Avenue. She married her first love, Richard Alexander Celski, in 1949. As a dedicated homemaker, she lovingly raised six children with her husband, always placing her family at the center of her life.

Peggy rarely missed an opportunity to gather with those she loved, whether for holidays, birthdays, or simple Sunday dinners. She developed exceptional cooking skills preparing daily meals for eight, built from handwritten recipe cards and newspaper clippings. Her lasagna became an eagerly anticipated tradition at family reunions.

Spring vacations were adventures filled with love and determination. Each year, Peggy and Richard packed their station wagon with children, homemade sandwiches, and a pop-up camper before heading to Florida on Easter break. Behind every vacation were countless hours of planning and hard work, yet Peggy’s cheerful spirit ensured those trips became treasured family memories. In retirement, those annual journeys continued for husband and wife with extended winter trips to St. Augustine FL, where they stayed at their favorite beach motel. While there, they enjoyed ocean sunrises, leisurely walks on the beach, and favorite restaurants but always returning home in time to celebrate Easter with the family.

After raising her children, Peggy began working part time at the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers, where she formed many lasting friendships. Later, she and Richard made their home in New Baltimore. Peggy affectionately called their waterfront home her “slice of heaven.” Peggy and Richard discovered a love for Las Vegas for nighttime walks, comped buffet meals, and hours of sitting beside her sister Connie playing Keno slots, accompanied by bottomless cups of coffee and Baileys. When Detroit’s casinos opened, Peggy happily became a regular at their Keno machines, collecting an impressive array of casino gifts to prove it.

Peggy was often described as sweet, loving, caring, and selfless. She was welcoming to friends old and new. She was very approachable and loved chatting with friends and relatives at gatherings. She had an easy laugh and never seemed to have a negative opinion about anything. In recent years she enjoyed quiet times watching history programs, classic movies, Neil Diamond videos, and Tiger baseball, as well as an occasional car ride.

Peggy is survived by her loving children, Kirk Celski, Cory Celski, Kenneth Celski, and Carol (Alan) Shay; her cherished grandchildren, Julianna, Joseph, Bradley (Michelle), Steven, Ross, Leah, and Ava; her treasured great-grandson, Caleb; and many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard A. Celski; her children, Debra “Debbie” Cagle and Richard Celski; her grandson, Michael; her parents; and her siblings, Vincent, Constance, and Richard.

Peggy will be remembered for her unwavering love, positive spirit, steadfast faith, and lifelong devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on through the traditions she created, the values she instilled, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. Her family finds comfort in knowing she has been reunited with those who went before her and now rests peacefully in the loving presence of the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Penrickton Center for Blind Children.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia. Peggy will lie in state on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 11441 Hubbard Road, Livonia. Burial will follow at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn with a luncheon afterward to continue celebrating Peggy’s life.