Peggy Pine of New Paltz, N.Y., a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and retired special education teacher of over 30 years, departed this life at home on June 22, 2026, at the age of 88.
Born on September 29, 1937, in New York City to William Kirkpatrick Baron and Margaret Sutherland Baron, she dedicated her life to lifting others up, spending over 30 years as a passionate special education teacher. She possessed a rare patience and a profound belief in every child’s value. In her classroom, every child was given the support needed to reach their educational potential.
Mom’s father was a lifelong merchant mariner, serving as first mate on multiple commercial ships spanning a 40-year career. During mom’s adolescence, her mother was away for extended hospitalizations, so she was sent to live with her aunt and uncle in Florida. Later she enrolled in St. John Baptist School in New Jersey, where she excelled both academically and in field hockey and basketball. Upon graduation in 1955, mom enrolled at the State University of New York at New Paltz, majoring in education. It was here that she met Vanderlyn Pine, and they married in 1958. Her studies were interrupted by family obligations, but in the early 1970s she enrolled at Goddard College in the Adult Degree Program. Peggy and Van divorced in 1973 but remained as supportive friends throughout the years.
As a new teacher, mom joined the Mother Cabrini Home in West Park, N.Y., working with youths harmed by the emotional effects of abuse/neglect and the systemic strains of poverty. She later shared how this experience taught her the importance of focusing on repairing the harm caused by trauma rather than casting blame. Her focus remained on helping each child reach their full potential in school as a foundation for a fulfilling and joyful life.
Beyond the classroom, our mom was the ultimate mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Her home was always filled with warmth, wholesome food, laughter and an eclectic soundtrack. She deeply loved music, finding immense joy in everything from the smooth rhythms of jazz to the uplifting beats of reggae, along with classical and swing music from her early years. Once retired, mom took a deep dive into her family tree and discovered a Cuban ancestor, to whom she attributed her excellent sense of rhythm. She played competitive tennis, taught Alpine skiing, and enjoyed hiking and bird-watching. Mom was a loyal volunteer with Twice Blessed Thrift Shop, an affiliate of the Reformed Church of New Paltz.
While Alzheimer’s disease clouded her final years, it could not dim the beautiful legacy of love and enduring compassion for others that she leaves behind. She is survived by her children, Gordon, Brian (Liz Curry) and Dan (Chiho); her grandchildren, Brittany, Gordie, Mellisa, Austin, Eli, Mina and Maki; and her grandsons Jaxson and Bennett, who will forever feel her warmth and unwavering love. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as half-brother Warren Putnam and half-sister Joyce Putnam Pridham.
Alzheimer’s takes center stage in our relationships with loved ones who are diagnosed with the disease, and the person we love recedes into the background. While Peggy remained the person we always knew, so much of her special qualities were robbed by Alzheimer’s.
However, its thievery is now done. It can no longer take away anything from our mother, and it will never rob our family of the precious memories that we hold dear.
Our family received friends at the Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home in New Paltz on Thursday, June 25, 2026, and mom was buried in the family plot at the New Paltz Rural Cemetery.
Online condolences can be shared at copelandhammerl.com