Margaret Bennett Stoeckinger

Margaret Bennett Stoeckinger (Peggy), 79 passed away from brain cancer on May 24, 2025. She was the daughter of the late John Holland Bennett and Gertrude O’Neill Bennett. She grew up as the fifth of six siblings alongside John, William, Joan (Tease), Robert, and Theresa (Wescott) who all preceded her in death.

Peggy grew up in Seaford, Delaware where she graduated from Seaford High School in 1963. An overachiever in academics, she was also editor of the school newspaper, a class officer and voted "Most Service to The Class.”. The quote under her name in her senior yearbook read “Friendly to all and everyone’s friend” – a theme the stayed true throughout her life.

A trailblazer from the start, Peggy was the first in her family to graduate from college. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Delaware, where she earned a BA in English. Peggy then began a lifelong academic career. She taught high school and junior high English for 13 years in Wyoming, Missouri, Delaware and Maine.

Peggy married Michael Allen on June 18,1966. They were married for 34 years and had a son, Christopher Allen (Katherine) and later welcomed two grandchildren: Connor and Tyler.

Peggy was a resident of Lexington, Kentucky for over 45 years. She continued her academic journey at the University of Kentucky, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Communications. For over two decades, Peggy taught Public Speaking, Communications and Women's Studies at Lexington Community College. She held the role of Department Chair for many years prior to her retirement in 2002. Peggy was a mentor and inspiration for both colleagues and students, leaving a lasting impact on the academic community.

Peggy married John Malcolm Stoeckinger on July 12, 2003. They shared time living between Lexington and Naples, Florida. Peggy was welcomed into their family by sons John, Peter (Kelly) and Andrew Stoeckinger. Together she and John were grandparents to Connor and Tyler Allen, Megan (Clay Caylor), Jackson, Joseph, Sarah (Will Howard), Elizabeth, Claire, Bennett, Reed and Charlotte Stoeckinger. She was a proud great grandmother to Caroline Caylor. Their extended family also included Michelle and Jim Gariepy. John and Peggy were married for 16 years before he sadly preceded her in death in 2019.

Peggy enjoyed being active and involved. Throughout her life she was a competitive tennis player and golfer. However, she was always willing to laugh at herself after a less than stellar shot. She also enjoyed cross-country skiing, scuba diving, water skiing and sailing. Always up for an adventure, she traveled to more than fifteen countries fulfilling her unquenchable curiosity. Peggy was a voracious reader who was still actively involved in three different book clubs, a weekly card group and two canasta groups prior to her cancer diagnosis.

Peggy’s life was a testament to her spunk, optimism, intelligence and wit. She was kind, thoughtful and a constant cheerleader for others. Our memories are forever filled with her unmistakable sparkle and her contagious laugh.

Peggy believed in celebrating throughout life and not in her death. If you would like to honor her memory, please pay it forward by sharing an act of kindness. At her request, no arrangements are planned.

Her legacy will live on in the friends she cherished, the countless students she inspired and the family she adored.

Margaret Bennett Stoeckinger - “Friendly to all and everyone’s friend”