Margaret V. Naetzker

Margaret. Peg. Peggy. Nana. “Mother Mother.” Nana the Great. The Boss of All the Houses. She had many names- and somehow lived up to each one with grace, grit, and unforgettable presence.

She didn’t just walk into a room, she arrived. Fully. With a smile that made you feel welcome and a laugh that could flip your whole day right-side up. She made life feel brighter just by being in it. Strong-willed, fiercely loyal, and endlessly loving, Nana ruled with opinions, humor, and heart. She never missed a chance to tell you exactly what she thought or how much she loved you. Sometimes both in the same breath.

Perfectly coordinated in her outfit – necklace, earrings, and shoes always matching- she carried the scent of Chanel No. 5, gardenia, and fresh roses wherever she went. She didn’t dress for the occasion; she was the occasion. Whether she was watching her church service, entertaining, or simply lounging and waiting for someone to stop by, she did it with flair.

She never met a stranger either. A quick trip to the store could easily turn into a two-hour social event. The mailman, the receptionist at her doctor’s office, the random person in line at Wegmans – everyone knew Peg. Everyone loved Peg. She made people feel seen, and in a world that often moves too fast, she stopped time for conversations that mattered.

She had a green thumb and a gift in the kitchen- but where she truly outdid herself was the holidays. Father Christmas? Just a rumor. Nana was Mother Christmas. The real magic behind it all. Every corner of the house sparkled. Every tradition had meaning. Even the ornaments felt loved. She brought each season to life with such joy and wonder, and we all looked forward to them year after year because we knew – if Nana was at the center, it would be unforgettable.

She was also a woman of deep faith – a firecracker who worshiped loudly and proudly. Her relationship with God was as bold as she was. Her faith anchored her, and in many ways, it anchored us, too.

But her greatest legacy wasn’t in the meals she made, the conversations she sparked, or even the traditions she built it was in the family she poured herself into. She loved fiercely and without condition. Her face lit up when she talked about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We were her pride. Her joy. Her “blessings”.

Nana was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of woman- radiant, fierce, full of heart, and so deeply loved. And though the world feels quieter without her, her warmth is in everything we are. She may no longer be at the center of the celebration but she is the reason we celebrate.

We will never forget her. Because women like her don’t just make history. They make home.

Peg Naetzker, formerly of 7 South Maple St., and 5078 Spooner Road, Ashville, left this earth on a cloud of love, April 8, 2025. She was 91.

Peg was preceded on her Journey by her husband of 51 years, Dave Naetzker, daughter, Amy, and second husband, Rich Long.

She leaves behind children Beth, Jan, Scooter, Sally, and Nathan, as well as her 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Love and gratitude to our friends and family at Heritage Green. Forever in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer.

The family suggests memorial gifts be made to Heritage Green Resident Council, 3023 Route 430, Greenhurst, NY 14742, or to your local food pantry.

Blessings our Nana!

To leave words of condolence, please visit lindfuneralhome.com.