Leeds, MA – Marguerite Ann (Frisbie) Chamberlain, a resident at Linda Manor in Leeds, MA, passed away April 17, 2017 after complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Daughter of Leroy Dwight and Beatrice Bridget (Ferriter) Frisbie of Russell, MA, Peg’s family and friends supported her with love and dedication as she progressed through the stages of Alzheimer’s.
Peg was born in Westfield, MA on October 31, 1930. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from Skidmore College in 1952. She then moved to Ho-ho-Kus, NJ and began a long and successful career teaching elementary music; she retired from the Barbieri Elementary School in Framingham, MA in 1994 in order to care for her granddaughter Julia. Peg was a professional trailblazer, introducing world music and dance to her students long before they became mainstream. A highlight of her time at Memorial and Barbieri Schools were the yearly musical performances she staged with her colleagues and students. Peg earned her MA at Lesley College, where she applied the use of music and rhythm as an aid to students with learning disabilities in reading. In addition to her teaching, Peg was a church organist over the course of 35 years, first at the Hartford Street Presbyterian Church in Natick, Mass, and later at St. Linus Church in Natick. She also volunteered to play the piano and sing at local nursing homes, bringing much joy to all who participated. Peg was an avid traveler, from her first trip to Europe in 1954 to her last to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in 2011. She toured most of the continental US by car with her children, and returned to Europe several times with family and friends. Throughout her life Peg loved to cook, paint and sew.
Peg was predeceased by her sister Carole (Frisbie) Burke and is survived by her sister Sally (Frisbie) Campbell and husband Bruce; her loving children Peter Chamberlain and wife Maricel; Elizabeth (Chamberlain) Polli and husband Edward; Bea Chamberlain and wife Shelby Lattis; Deborah Chamberlain (predeceased by her partner Laura Golden); Bridget (Chamberlain) Brochu and husband James; her beloved granddaughters Julia Brochu and Danielle (Brochu) Woodman and family, and many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind countless friends both old and new. All who knew Peg will remember her beautiful smile, sparkling eyes and never-ending positive energy. She will be sorely missed by all of us. The family would like to express gratitude to everyone who helped care for Peg during the last years of her life. Very special thanks go out to the dedicated professionals at Linda Manor and Cooley Dickinson Hospice.
There will be a Mass for Peg at St. Linus Church in Natick at 10:00am on Friday, May 12, 2017. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Westfield, MA, Saturday, May 13, 2017. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Peg’s name to Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne, Ma (http://www.bridgeofflowersmass.org/memorial-gifts) or to The Dementia Unit Activities Fund at Linda Manor (349 Haydenville Rd, Leeds, MA 01053).
To view the online guest book or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com
