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Margaret Bevington Obituary

Longtime Chicago resident Peggy Bevington died peacefully at home on September 5, 2020. She was 87.

Peggy was born Margaret Bronson Brown on January 11, 1933, in Cleveland. She attended Radcliffe College and received her master's degree in education from Harvard in 1955. She married David Bevington in 1953. Their union lasted 66 years.

In 1967, the couple moved to Chicago and bought a home on Blackstone Ave., where they lived for the rest of their lives. They had four children, Stephen, Philip, Kate and Sarah. In 1973, Peggy began teaching nursery school at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. She retired from teaching after a 30 year career but remained active in the university and Hyde Park community.

Peggy is survived by 3 children, 5 grandchildren, and her sister, Susan.

All will miss her wit, insight, deep knowledge, and kind nature.

Remembrances may be shared here: [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peggy's name to: The Theraplay Institute www.theraplay.org or Court Theatre courttheatre.org.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Sep. 21, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Bevington

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Thanks for these beautiful stories and remembrances. Anyone hoping to share materials with the family and get reacquainted with Bevington offspring may reach Sarah at [email protected]. Much love to you all

Sarah Bevington

Family

March 22, 2023

I don't know if this will reach anyone at this late date, but I hope it does. As I went through all of my children's files recently, I happened upon many notes, newsletters and observations written by Peggy when my daughter, Anna, was in her class in the 1990's at UC Lab School. After re-reading all of Peggy's messages to parents, I was reminded of what an absolutely incredible educator that Peggy was. She was extremely prolific with an extraordinary ability to communicate. Peggy spent a great deal of time detailing specifics about children and provided a clear picture of what my daughter was like in pre-school. I was not only taken down a very emotional "memory lane" about my daughter's daily life based on Peggy's words, but I was also reminded about the rich, culturally diverse experience that Peggy provided to children. I found myself thinking that here we are in 2023 and we have lost our way in education. Peggy was at the forefront of education and ahead of her time. She had a sense of humor, she exposed children to the richness and diversity of various cultures, encouraged acceptance and creativity and had a profound ability to relate to children and understand their thinking. I am thankful that the first year of my daughter's education was influenced by such an insightful, remarkable person. I am sorry for the loss of this fabulous person and educator. She made the world a better place.

Maria L Palopoli

March 18, 2023

Dave and Peggy were always family, and dear family. I miss both of them very much. They were two of the kindest people I have ever known.

Elizabeth Behrman

Friend

December 7, 2020

"Good God! how often are we to die before we go quite off this stage? In every friend we lose a part of ourselves, and the best part." Alexander Pope.

Ned Behrman

Friend

November 26, 2020

She was a long time and treasured member of the independent voters of Illinois -independent precincts organization her caring and loving spirit will be missed. At this time of troubled waters her calm voice would be welcome in our endorsement session.

Aldophus Al Kindle,
State Political Action Chair

Aldophus kindle

Friend

September 27, 2020

Thank you all for your kind words and wonderful memories.

Steve Bevington

Son

September 26, 2020

As a young mother of a Lab School toddler, I was privileged to meet Peggy. She was not my daughter’s teacher, but her graceful presence, her careful speech, and her gentle way of listening to everyone surely made a mark on me. In a fast-paced, relentlessly aspiring campus atmosphere, Peggy was a welcome reminder that grace and humility can and should coexist with education and achievement. May she Rest In Peace.

Noha Forster

Acquaintance

September 24, 2020

Peggy Bevington and her husband David enhanced the lives of many—at the University, the Hyde Park community, and the city. Memories remain of stimulating shared dinners, Beatles sing-alongs, and hour-by-hour New Year celebrations. I also have the fun of recalling a fond lesson from Peggy during a lecture we attended together. While others finished lunch and tossed their used paper and plastic utensils in the waste and recycle bins, I asked Peggy if I could take hers to dispose.
“No,” she gently but bluntly insisted, then carefully wiped each implement with a tissue and placed it in her carry bag. She then made clear she did this not as a matter of economy, but ecology. The items should be used again rather than end in the ocean or crowd the earth.
That was not her only committed contribution to the betterment of this world, but I like to think of it as one sweet sample of the caring and teaching she leaves behind. She will be missed.
Diane Rudall

Diane Rudall

Friend

September 23, 2020

Growing up in Hyde Park, visiting my friend's Steve's house, I remember Mrs. Bevington's warmth and friendliness which made one feel welcome. My condolences to the Bevington family.

Jason Neuer

Acquaintance

September 23, 2020

Peggy will always be "Pevvy" to us - the name our boys named her when in her Nursery 4 class '95-'96 and '96-'97. I saved (to this day) every one of her weekly newsletters to the parents (simply works of art). She was extraordinary, brilliant, beautiful, priceless, and precious. May she rest in eternal peace.

ELAINE WOERNER

Coworker

September 22, 2020

What a beautiful person who loved people

Rochelle

September 21, 2020

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