Margaret Mary Peters

With love and admiration for a courageous and well-lived life, we are sad to announce the peaceful passing of Margaret Mary Peters, aged 63. An outstanding and celebrated educator and athlete, hers was a life generously dedicated to others: her family, friends, colleagues, and countless students.

The daughter of Roland (“Pete”) and Marie Peters, Margaret was born in Cleveland on January 26, 1963, but grew up in Canton with her beloved siblings. Academically and athletically gifted, she was a stellar student at St. Michael’s School and Canton Central Catholic; she was on full scholarship at Youngstown State University and graduated with B.S. in Science Education in 1985, then received her Master’s from the University of Akron in 1994. Margaret began her teaching career in science at her alma mater, Central Catholic, then moved to Jackson High School where she was on faculty for 28 years and taught Biology, Chemistry, and Honors Chemistry; she also was a standout coach in Women’s Basketball and Track. Although she loved being in the classroom, the lab, and on the court, she was passionate about the school’s renowned annual Marine Biology seminar.

Margaret was a standout scholar athlete and a humble breakthrough figure for the more balanced recognition of Women’s Athletics enjoyed today. In high school, she earned 11 varsity letters scoring 1,123 career points in basketball, leading the Team to the 1981 State Class AA runners up. Additionally, she was the state long jump champion her sophomore year and runner up senior year, while also qualifying for the 400 meter run all four years. Recruited to Youngstown State University, she scored 1,084 points and 533 assists, and 407 rebounds in 100 games over four years. She was inducted into the Youngstown State Hall of Fame in 1994 and the first class of the Central Catholic Hall of Fame in 2025 with her teammates and family in attendance. Yet for all her athletic prowess she spoke most frequently about her teammates, the students she coached, and, always, her family.

An avid traveler, she particularly loved time on, in, and near water. Her home at Lakemore was a place of solace and gathering.

Margaret is predeceased by her mother, Marie, and her eldest brother, Dan.

She is survived by her father, Roland Peters, Dan’s widow Nancy Peters, Tom (Cindy) Peters, Laura (David) Dureska, Joanne (Chuck) Zahler, and Lisa (Joseph) Becherer. She was extremely proud of her beloved niece and nephews, Daniel Joseph and Michael Peters; Allison Washburn and Sean Peters; Ryan, Jason, and Kyle Dureska; and Joseph and Vincent Becherer, and their spouses, partners, and children. Her very best friend, Jaime Madrigal, survives her and was with her until the end of her earthly life.

In lieu of flowers. donations can be made to Susan G Komen at www.komen.org or Ohio The Parkinson's Foundation at www.ohparkinsons.com

Visitation will be 4:40 until 6:30 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2026 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday July 25, 2026 at Queen of Heaven Church, 1800 Steese road, Uniontown OH 44685 with Fr. David Durkee officiating.

Interment will be at Sunset Hills Burial Park.