Obituary: Eleanor 'Peggy' Hetherington of Brewster

from the Beecher Funeral Home

Eleanor M. Hetherington “Peggy” of Brewster, NY, passed away peacefully Thursday October 5, 2023 at the age of 93 after a short, brave battle with breast cancer.

Peggy was born March 23, 1930, in New York, NY, daughter of the late John and Ellen (Larsson) Sergeant. She graduated from Bishop McDonnell High School, then earned her Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Queens College where she was a member of the Neuman Club, Sigma Delta Chi, Chemistry Society and Dean’s List. She later earned her Master’s in Education from Western Connecticut State College while working and raising her six children.

On September 18, 1954, she married Edward J. Hetherington in Queens, NY. They moved from Queens to Brewster sixty-three years ago where they became members of St. Lawrence O’Toole Church. Peggy worked as a Chemist, Teacher and regional sales manager for a national jewelry chain.

Peggy and Ed's 54-year marriage produced six beautiful children and six grandchildren. She involved her family in her life-long passion for dogs, breeding first Irish Setters (recruiting her children for the show ring), and, as she aged, Border Terriers, of which Gabby, Bobby and OB were her most recent loved and treasured companions. She cherished her dear friendships in the dog world, and her friends, in turn, respected her for her keen intellect, affection for the dogs, and willingness to volunteer for whatever needed to be done.

She followed current events, politics in particular, with passion and conviction. She was a proud life-long Democrat, favoring candidates who worked for "the little guy". For many years she was active in the League of Women Voters, working to educate voters through non-partisan candidate forums and other outreach.

As her neighbors can attest, Peggy was an indefatigable presence in her yard, tending her gardens and window boxes from March to November. She and Ed harvested many of the trees, bushes and flowers from the woods and road-side, and she knew the progeny of every one, especially those gifted by her children and grandchildren. She was an anchor in the Friendly Road neighborhood, and leaves behind several dear neighborhood friends with whom she enjoyed chats "over the fence".

She was a member of the League of Women Voters, Border Terrier Club of America, Putnam County Kennel Club over 50 years, Northeast Border Terrier Club, Brewster Garden Club and Mother’s Guild.

Peggy was predeceased by her husband Edward, she is survived by her children Ellen Hetherington of Hebron, CT , Edward Hetherington of Brewster, NY, Cathy Hammer of Armonk, NY, Paul Hetherington of Holmes, NY , Richard Hetherington of Pawling, NY, Margaret Hetherington of Newtown, CT; grandchildren Jenny Mackey, Paul Hetherington, Brian Hammer, Amy Hetherington-Coy, Glenn Hammer and Annie Hetherington-Coy. She was also predeceased by her brother John “Jack” Sergeant.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday October 13, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Brewster, followed by the burial in St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery in Brewster. Calling hours will take place Thursday October 12, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Ave., Brewster, NY.

Contributions in Peggy’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Northeast Border Terrier Club, or Putnam County Kennel Club.