Margaret Alice (Shanahan) Belch, 86, died peacefully and surrounded by family on June 2, 2025.

Born in Rutland, Vermont, on December 22, 1938, Margaret (affectionately known as Peggy) moved to Hartford, Connecticut when she was 17 to work in the insurance industry. After meeting her husband, Roger, whom she married in 1959, she worked as a bookkeeper for their family Plumbing, Heating & Cooling business in Windsor, Connecticut. Peggy retired to Beverly Hills, Florida, and then moved to Maine in 2017 with her husband, daughter, and son-in-law. 

Peggy will be remembered for her sharp wit, unceasing generosity, and her fierce dedication to family. She was a lover of crossword puzzles, cribbage, crochet, and eating dessert for breakfast. The oldest of seven siblings, Peggy was a fearless protector and caregiver to all those around her. She inspired many with her kindness, creativity, and lively humor.  

A proud mother and grandmother, Peggy is survived by 3 children, Deborah Lyon and her husband Richard, Robert Belch and his wife Beth, Brian Edwards and his wife Kathy; 11 grandchildren; 3 brothers; 1 sister; and many nieces and nephews.

Her family would like to thank all the wonderful individuals at The Breakwater Commons for providing special care for Peggy.

A memorial service will be held for Peggy and her late husband, Roger Belch, on June 25, at 9 a.m., at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church in Camden, Maine, immediately followed by a burial at the Veterans Cemetery in Augusta, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at ripostafh.com.