Margaret Ella Bolton Heimbuch Petersen's Obituary
Margaret was born just southeast of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1932. She grew up in Wall, Pennsylvania with her parents Francis and Margaret Bolton, her grandpap Eugene O’Connell, her younger brother Francis Bolton (Buddy), and her younger sister Eileen Bolton. She attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she studied education in the school of business. Margaret was certified for education in business, children with learning disabilities, and the administration of schools in 1950. She continued her education by earning her EdD from Nova University in 1992, researching early childhood development.
During her career, Margaret made a difference for students and coworkers alike. In 1951 at 19 years of age, she was a principal at a school for students with learning disabilities. She then taught alongside her mother Margaret Bolton in North Versailles Township Pennsylvania in 1953. After having her children and moving to Miami Florida, Margaret continued her career at Palmetto Junior High teaching reading from1965 to 1975. She started an education training business with her friends and colleagues, Helen and Phyllis, called Research and Planning. Margaret had an opportunity to work with a team of educators to open and teach at Southwood Junior High. She took it and worked there with students in reading for many years. Margaret then transferred to Teacher Education Center (TEC) in Dade County Public Schools where she worked educating educators until her retirement at age 70. In addition to her fulltime teaching, Margaret taught summer school, night school, and at local universities including St Thomas and Nova Southeastern University. She enjoyed teaching research for graduate student teachers at Nova Southeastern University until she fully retired at age 80. In retirement, Margaret volunteered at Memorial Hospital West and the Kenneth City Police Department.
Margaret married Joseph Heimbuch in Pennsylvania at 25 years of age. They had three daughters: Elaine Margaret Heimbuch Farrington Williams, Virginia (Ginny) Louise Heimbuch Price, and Elizabeth (Beth) Ann Heimbuch Olafson. Margaret later married Edward Petersen who she enjoyed glamping with before and in retirement.
Margaret Petersen is survived by:
Her daughters, Ginny Price (Jerry) and Elizabeth Olafson. Her grandchildren, Emily Price (Hannah), William Olafson (Julie), Haven Price, and Jarrod Olafson (Amra). Her great grandchildren Xandria, Zachary, Vallyn, Tyrus, Owen, Isla, and Siena.
We remember her with love and gratitude.
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