Margarite J. "Peggy" Kafka

Boonville – Margarite J. Kafka, 84, longtime resident of Echo Lake Road, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Boonville, where she had most recently resided following an illness.

Affectionately known as Peggy, she was born at home in Boonville on April 28, 1940, a daughter of Arlo and Nina Grace Walker Betsinger. She attended Boonville Central School graduating with the Class of 1958. For a time Peggy was employed at Hills Dept. Store in Boonville as a cashier. She then began her employment at the Victory Store in Boonville, where she was employed for 37 years, retiring from Great American Grocery Store, Boonville in 2002.

On September 24, 1960, Margarite was married to Joseph G. Kafka. Later the couple were divorced. Peggy was a talented seamstress and also enjoyed knitting. She will be fondly remembered for donations of hundreds of surgical bonnets for children undergoing procedures at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, where her granddaughter Jessica is employed. Peggy also enjoyed attending Tuesday afternoon card club activities. She was of the Catholic faith and was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Boonville.

She is survived by her daughter: Deborah (George) Casler, Boonville, granddaughter: Jessica (Matt) Garnsey and great-grandsons: Ryan and Joshua, all of Rochester, bonus grandchildren: Brenda Preble, Brockport, Jackie Casler and George Casler IV, both of Middleville, bonus great-grandchildren: Luna, Lilly, Lyra, and Larkin, her sister: Rose Longway, Constableville, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her former husband Joseph Kafka on April 13, 2008, as well as her sisters: Helen Sprague, Mary Kowalik, Mabel Trainor, Augusta Trenham, Thelma Iseneker, and Carol Washburn.

A Memorial service will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 11:30 am at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Boonville. There will be no calling hours. A celebration of life is being planned for late spring/early summer of 2025. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boonville Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box #164, Boonville, NY 13309 or to the Lewis County Humane Society, P.O. Box #682, Lowville, NY 13367.