Mrs. Marguerite A. Romer

Marguerite A. Romer, 78, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 9, 2015 surrounded by her family. She was born in Northampton, November 9, 1936 the daughter of Ernest and Joan Caputo Samson of Ashfield. The first twelve years of her education were at Sanderson Academy in Ashfield. Peg earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting and Illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. Later she did graduate work in the Masters Conversion Program at Keene State College in New Hampshire, qualifying her to teach art on the elementary and secondary level. She was hired to teach at Monadnock Regional High School in New Hampshire. On moving back to Massachusetts, Peg became Art Supervisor for the elementary schools in the Mowhawk Regional School District which included Ashfield, Charlemont, Shelburne, and Rowe, MA schools. Leaving that position, she became instrumental in founding the Hilltown Co-Operative School, an alternative private school fully accredited by the state for children pre-school through grade 4. Peg was elected to the School Committee representing Plainfield in both the elementary and secondary levels of the Mowhawk Regional School District until the time that she moved to Pittsfield. It was then that Peg supported herself solely by her talent as a free lance artist. Eventually she became employed by Sheaffer-Eaton/Textron where she created designs for their paper and gift lines. After several years there, the company closed. At that point, Peg went into designing seasonal greeting cards assigned by The Paper Magic Group out of Boston. Peg’s creative interests turned to the study of vintage and antique jewelry, pottery, glassware, and furniture. She opened her own business, Somebody Else’s Treasures in Lanesborough, MA. The search for treasures and the challenge of retail business as well as all the interesting people she met hooked her. She worked at this for 18 years until retiring at age 70. She is survived by her former husband, Peter Romer and their children, Renee Schmidt of Plainfield, MA, Nicole Romer and Tristan Romer and his wife Helene of Ashfield, and 6 very loved grandchildren, Amanda Kent and her husband Morgan, Kelsey Schmidt, Romer Sullivan, Callum Sullivan, Quinton Romer, and Izaya Romer. Peg also leaves her husband of 28 years, Peter P. Knysh whom she married on July 12, 1986, and her step children, Peter W. Knysh and his wife Marleen, Brian Knysh, and Jason Knysh all off Pittsfield, and granddaughter Marley Knysh. She also leaves a sister, her best friend and companion, Joanne Delphia, and a brother in law, Richard Delphia both of Ashfield. FUNERAL NOTICE In keeping with Peg’s wishes, a private family gathering to celebrate her life will be held at a later date. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, donations in her memory may be made to Hospice Care in The Berkshires in care of the DWYER FUNERAL HOME, 776 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mrs. Marguerite A. Romer

November 9, 1936 - March 9, 2015