Margaret Ruth “Peggy” Zeldes passed away at the age of 87 at her home in Pagosa Springs on Jan. 29.
After graduating nursing school in 1948, she worked as a registered nurse in Galesburg, Ill. and later co-owned “The Rebel Shops” and “House of Lords” stores in Northern and Southern California. Peggy worked side by side with her wonderful husband Sydney for over 28 years in the men’s clothing business. In later years she designed, built and landscaped two homes in the high desert in California.
She was an accomplished artist, having completed over fifty paintings. She possessed a fabulous sense of humor, as well. Her green thumb skills were evident in all of her homes, as each one was filled with beautiful and exotic plants.
She was a warm and loving woman who was adored by friends and family. She entertained often and was a consummate cook, insisting on doing it all herself. Peggy will be fondly remembered as a loving caretaker throughout her entire life.
She leaves us all with beautiful memories. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt.
She is survived by her adoring daughter Terri Pritchard; sons Barry and Jeffrey Zeldes; grandchildren Dallas and India Zeldes; great granddaughter Melania and another grandchild due this month; sister Carolyn Farran; brothers Samuel Jr., Phillip and Dick Valentine; brothers-in-law Jerry Zeldes and Jerry Rotwein; sisters-in-law Kay Brotman, Joyce Rotwein, Sandy and Loretta Valentine; as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Peggy is preceded in death by beloved Sydney Zeldes; treasured son-in-law William J. Pritchard; father Samuel J. Valentine and mother Alma Valentine; sister Jeannie Sutherlin; and sisters-in-law Honora Berkowitz, Bernice Reskin, Gertrude Shapiro and Dena Litvin.
A memorial will be held at Pagosa Funeral Home Saturday, Feb. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. Dinner and reception to follow at Terri Pritchard’s home. Please contact Pagosa Funeral Home or Terri Pritchard, 946-3183.
