MANCHESTER – Margaret C. Whitman, 75, of Manchester, Maine, passed away May 14, 2021, with her family by her side.

Peggy was born in Augusta on Dec. 19, 1945, to Joseph and Gertrude (Lewia) Collins of Hallowell.

Peggy attended Hall-Dale High School and graduated in 1964. During high school she was very involved in school activities. After graduation, she took great pride in organizing class reunions celebrating the fifth to the 50th year. Following high school, she attended the University of Maine at Farmington and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education. She taught a couple years as a kindergarten teacher at the one room schoolhouse in Belgrade Lakes, then went on to Cony High School where she taught Home Economics for 31 years. She touched many student’s lives sharing her expertise in cooking and sewing along with many other important life skills. She retired from Cony in 2001.

Peggy was an active member in her community belonging to the Manchester Country Riders snowmobile club for many years, the Manchester Fire Department Auxiliary, a leader for both cub scouts and girl scouts, a parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and most recently a member of the Augusta Country club where she organized and led many tournaments and special events. She had many hobbies that kept her busy! Golfing, playing cards, sewing, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Her most favorite way to spend her time, however, was with her beloved grandchildren, Michael and Madeline. They were her world! She was most happy when the whole family was together, and there was always a game.

She was predeceased by her father, Joseph D. Collins; mother, Gertrude (Lewia) Collins; brother, Thomas Collins; sister, Kathleen Collins; and daughter in law Jessica Whitman.

Peggy is survived by her husband, Carroll Whitman of Manchester; son, Michael J. Whitman and his wife Kathy of Marlborough, Mass.; son, Andy Whitman of Litchfield; daughter, Amy Whitman and her partner Mike Clements of West Gardiner; daughter, Beth Anthony and her husband Adam of Augusta; grandchildren, Michael F. Whitman and Madeline Whitman of Marlborough, Ma.; brother, Joseph (Jody) Collins and his wife Keltie of Farmingdale and her nieces, Heather Collins and Holly Gannett; as well as many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta where condolences to the family may be shared on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com .

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Peggy’s memory to:

The Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine

3121 Hotel Road

Auburn, ME 04210

or

St. Michael’s School Financial Aid Fund

56 Sewall Street

Augusta, ME 04330