I met Peggie in grade school, she was one year behind me, but we walked to school together every day. first Saint Ed’s then Ursuline high school. I have so many memories of her, going to the Elms ballroom on Friday nights to dance, our hearts out.  Together, we met many entertainers, Frankie Avalon, Paul Anka, Dion, and. Stevie Wonder. Can you imagine the fun we had. the best part was in later years we got to travel together, we would talk on the phone for hours, and rehash all of our fun times together. She was my best friend. I know God welcomed you home. Love and miss you.

Today I celebrated the life of an extraordinary woman—Margaret Flauto, my mother-in-law, or as she preferred to be called, Peg.  I first met Peg in 1997, shortly after her divorce. That was a time of transition in her life, but even then, her warmth, intelligence, and vibrant spirit were clear to me.  

Peg was married for 30 years and devoted herself fully to her three sons: John, Rich, and my husband, Ron. She spoke with so much pride about the men they became, their professional accomplishments, and the families they built. She saw their successes as the greatest reflection of her own life’s work.  

Peg had a gift for storytelling, and she loved sharing memories of her childhood. She would laugh as she told stories about her days at Ursuline High School, where the Catholic nuns ran a tight ship. But Peg and her best friend, Tish, found ways to bring joy and rebellion into those years. Together, they would sneak out to dance halls, competing in dance contests that Peg would sometimes win with her dance partner, Tom. She had a natural grace, not just in dance but in life.  

Beginning in high school, Peg worked as a grocery store clerk, earning her way while excelling as a straight-A student. She was also a talented artist, a gift that would shape much of her life. After her marriage ended, Peg courageously pursued her passion for art by earning a master’s degree in fine arts from Youngstown State University. Her work was extraordinary, and some of her pieces were juried and displayed at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio—a remarkable achievement that speaks to her talent and dedication as an artist. She then moved to Florida, where she taught art and worked as a freelance artist.  

Florida brought out a new side of Peg. She embraced the artist community, found joy in drumming circles on the beach, and explored alternative healing practices like Reiki. She didn’t just dabble in Reiki—her studies led her to become a Reiki master, a level of expertise that she cherished deeply. Peg believed in the importance of self-reflection, seeking out joy in life’s beauty, and always finding the courage to follow her heart.  

She found beauty in the simplest things, like wildflowers and hydrangeas, which she loved dearly. Her love of music also reflected her inner artistry—she adored the Moonlight Sonata, which she played on the piano as a young adult, and her favorite singers included Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Enya, and Stevie Nicks. Together, we enjoyed attending every music recital, theatrical performance, and competitions of all 3 of my children.

As her sons pursued their careers, Peg found the independence and strength to fulfill her lifelong dreams of travel. With her groups of friends, she explored incredible destinations like Paris, Greece, Morocco, and Spain. She stood in awe of the world’s most famous galleries, marveling at the art and architecture she had dreamed of seeing as a child. Traveling became one of the great joys of her life, a way to experience the wonder and beauty she’d always imagined.  

While Peg loved the independence she found through travel, her heart always remained with her family. When Ron and I visited her to share the news that we were expecting her first grandchild, her excitement was palpable. Shortly after my daughter Elena was born, Peg left Florida to return to Ohio. She simply couldn’t imagine missing out on the first milestones of her grandchild’s life.  

Peg lived just a few miles away from us for many years, and in that time, we shared so much together. She spent countless hours with Elena, teaching her art and fostering her creativity. As more grandchildren arrived—Maria, Alex, and others—Peg’s greatest joy was having them in her home. She gave each one her undivided attention, celebrating their individual talents and showering them with love.  

She created cherished traditions for her grandchildren, whether it was making art, watching movies, or indulging in her favorite treats. Peg had a soft spot for mini donuts, tortilla chips with peach mango salsa, and Midnight Dark Milky Way chocolates, which were always in her candy bowl, ready to share with her grandchildren. These small gestures of love are now cherished memories.  

Her favorite perfume was White Diamonds, and that scent became a signature of hers. It will always remind us of Peg—graceful and warm—and whenever we smell it, we will be reminded of her presence.

She was also a big part of our family vacations. Peg joined us on almost every trip, creating some of the funniest videos, photos, and moments we’ll always cherish. Watching her interact with the kids on these adventures brought so much joy to all of us and added to the collection of treasured memories.  

Even in her later years, when Peg moved to an assisted living community, she continued to find purpose and joy in her art. She held art classes for her fellow residents, sharing her passion and encouraging others to express their creativity. It was just one more example of her generosity and the way she shared her talents with others.  

Peg would often tell me that I was the daughter she didn’t have, and she appreciated the unique bond we shared. She and I shared things that mothers and daughters share, and I know she valued that relationship deeply. It wasn’t always perfect—nothing ever is—but we were both better for it, and I will forever be grateful for the love and understanding we built over the years.  

Peg brought light into my life. As a mother-in-law, she was giving and supportive, offering kindness and wisdom. Over the years, she became not only my husband’s mother but also my dear friend.  

I remember Peg as a woman who loved deeply, lived fully, and gave selflessly. She was an artist, a storyteller, a traveler, a healer, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend. She touched the lives of so many, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and adventure.  

Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on—in the art she created, in the memories she shared, and in the family she nurtured. Today, we honored not just the life Peg lived but the love she gave to all of us.  

Thank you, Peg, for everything. You will always be in our hearts.

She was such a sweet lady. I enjoyed talking with her and Jennifer at Heritage Crossings. I wish I knew she was an artist, I would have loved to have seen her work. So sorry for your loss.

I dont know where to begin Peggy.   We first met in First grade at St. Edward School and were friends all through including Ursuline and our graduating in 1961.   So many parties at your home on Elm St and record hops and sock hops at UHS and our picnics and then you surprising the hell out of me by moving to Venice, Fl where I had lived for 15 years.  I still remember us meeeting at the Crows Nest for dinner and drinks and you came to the house and met Linda and for years we had a good time till you moved back to Ohio.  I missed you not being at the last two Class Reunions but understood you were not well.  I hope you are enoying yourself in the sky above and one day we will meet again

Peg was a very special friend. She was an incredible artist. She will be sadly missed. Rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Margaret F. Flauto

July 19, 1943 – January 8, 2025

A. Ripepi & Sons Funeral Home

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