Margaret Lois Coolong

margaret coolong
Houlton - Margaret “Peggy” Lois Coolong, 83, died February 1, 2024 in Portland, she passed at Maine Medical Center surrounding by much of her loving family. Peggy was born May 29, 1940 in Island Falls, daughter of the late James and Viona (Barker) MacArthur. Peggy was an active member of Houlton United Methodist Church and Boothbay Harbor United Methodist Church. Her Christian beliefs and faith were solid and practically applied to her every attitude and to every interaction she had with the people in her life. Peggy’s hobbies included reading, writing poetry, volunteering for various literacy programs in Maine, at Cary Library and the library at her housing complex. She was an avid quilter/crafter, donating to many organizations helping others. She loved gardening. She enjoyed wildlife watching and recounting, in colorful and entertaining ways, the unique behaviors of deer, squirrels and a variety of birds. Seeing beauty in all of these hobbies, her application of her faith would be to say that the existence of an omniscient creator is undeniable. Peggy’s legacy is her example of practical application of Christian faith and a commitment to life-long learning. Her children learned the values of education, rationality, sound-mindedness, ambitiousness and strong work ethic. These values were an integral part of her career as a teacher at Hodgdon Elementary School. Above all, peaceful relations with all people and courtesy in every interaction was a key lesson she imparted. Peggy will be sorely missed by all of her loved ones, family and friends. Memories of her example will be remembered daily. Peggy is predeceased by her first husband N. James Coolong, and second husband Leonard Belanger; her son Wayne Coolong, and daughter Paula Gendron; brothers James and Steve MacArthur and sister Diana Hardy. Peggy is survived by her children, Pamela and husband Douglas Wiggins, Kevin and wife Julie Coolong, Cheryl and husband Steve Erhart, Valarie and husband Keed Gamage; son-in-law Marc Gendron. Sisters, Neda MacArthur and Gwen Main; brother David MacArthur, as well as eleven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, a large extended family and friends whose interactions with her were bright spots in their lives. A special thank you goes out to the staff at Ashton Gardens, Scarborough Terrace and Maine Medical Center for their kind and professional care of her these past few months. A memorial for Peggy will be held at a later date. If you would like to donate funds in Peggy’s memory please send them to The Cary Library in Houlton at www.cary.lib.me.us/donations OR 107 Main Street, Houlton, ME 04730.

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  1. Our heart aches at the loss of Peggy. She was a great lady and one of the kindest and sincerest I have met. She has gone home and is at peace. Our thoughts and prayer to you all.🙏🥰🙏

  2. School was always a struggle for me. Mrs.Coolong always made being there easier. Made such a difference for so many of us.
    Rest in peace sweet lady ♥️
    My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

  3. Peggy was God fearing woman. Proverbs 31: 10-31 is a tribute to her. She will be remembered and missed by many.

  4. I was 12 yrs old when I met Peggy through the Houlton United Methodist Church. Over the years I came to know Peggy as a loving servant to everyone who she encountered in her life, faithful and supportive of her husband, loving parent, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was my mentor, teacher, and friend. I will always hold her memory close in my heart.

  5. My condolences to her family, she was a great teacher and later after school she was a friend. Always sweet and kind ❤️❤️


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