WOOSTER – Peggy Ann Hockett (nee Bates) passed away on January 31, 2020 at LifeCare Hospice in Wooster.
She was born on May 10, 1934 in Doddridge County, West Virginia, to Harold and Velva Bates. Her family later relocated to the Akron area for her father s position at Goodyear. She attended Akron Ellet High School then Otterbein College, and eventually earned two master s degrees. She dedicated her career to education, serving as the elementary science supervisor for Cleveland Public Schools; a children s science program host on WVIZ public television; and principal of Parkman and Huntsburg elementary schools in Geauga County, Ohio. In 1984 she moved to Wooster, Ohio to serve as principal of Beall Avenue Elementary School and then as an administrator with Tri-county Education Center. Education wasn t just a vocation for her – it was a personal passion.
Peggy had a love of reading, gardening, all animals, nature, music and cooking, which she shared with and passed on to her children. She was an independent single parent raising four children the majority of her adulthood. She reconnected with the love of her life and remarried in 1992. She was an active member of St James Episcopal Church, singing in the choir and serving on vestry. In her later years, she loved nothing more than being with close friends and family and her adored pets, enjoying the beauty of the acreage of her property and the variety of wildlife that visited. She was a hero and role model to many, with a tenacious fighting spirit until the very end.
Peggy was preceded in death by her brother Hank and is survived and will be dearly missed by her husband John, her children Mark (Alicia Lancashire) Archacki, Jeff Archacki, Jill (Ron) Munro, Meg (Bob Gardner) Archer and Hannah (Jack Bowersock) Roscoe; and her grandchildren Anna Munro and Alexander Hampton.
There will be an intimate gathering for family at her home, and then a celebration of life at St. James Episcopal Church in Wooster in the spring.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy, St. James Episcopal Church in Wooster Ohio, or LifeCare Hospice in Wooster.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Memorial Contributions
The Nature Conservancy, St. James Episcopal Church, Wooster or LifeCare Hospice in Wooster
Service
Services will be held in the spring
Visitation
No calling hours
I had the pleasure of knowing Peggy in the salon. I had the pleasure of doing her hair for quite a few years. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I loved listening to Peggy’s stories and hearing about her wonderful family. She always told me about her children and grandchildren and how proud of all of the accomplishments you all made. I will pray for you all in this time of sadness. I will miss her. Peace to you all.
On behalf of Tri-County Educational Service Center and myself as the last remaining ESC employee who worked with Peggy, our sympathy at her passing. Reading the obituary reminds all of who this lovely lady was and her dedication to children professionally and personally. May God bless her family with beautiful memories in the days to come.
The loss of a wonderful woman. My husband and I spent many hours with Peggy and John. If Dan was alive he would’ve been in tears. Our love to the entire family. So sorry!
Peggy was so special, smart, feisty, and compassionate. I know she brought joy, peace and encouragement to my Uncle John in his later life. It gives me comfort to have seen the faith she had and practiced, and I hope it does to all the family as well. God Bless.
She was always Mrs. Archacki to me. I knew her when she was single-handedly raising four children. I was in 4th grade when I met her through Jill. For 3 years, I spent most of my free time at the Archacki house, and have never stopped talking about Mrs. Archacki. Forty years later, my six children all “know” Mrs. Archacki because so many of my childhood stories include her. She made me feel capable, powerful, intelligent, involved, accountable, and welcomed. At that age I didn’t know how important that was. She stood for many things I grew up to learn were most important in life, and I have carried her in my heart and mind for so long. I will continue to. Blessings for the whole family.
Am blessed to have known Peggy. She always welcomed kids at her house. She was always perceptive, helpful and very patient with us when we grew up. I send condolences and much love to her family and friends.