Margaret M. Pyszka

Margaret Mary Pyszka, 91, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2023. She was born on November 28, 1931 to the late William & Alice (O’Hara) Guider and would go on to marry her best friend, George Pyszka, with whom she raised 4 children who were the center of her world.

Margaret spent the majority of her life in Bedford, New Hampshire. Before Bedford, she resided in Maine and New Jersey. On April 15, 1961, Margaret entered into a lifelong partnership with her beloved husband, George. Together, they built a family grounded in love, dedication, and unwavering support.

Margaret dedicated over 25 years to the Merrimack Valley School District-SAU #46, where she served as an English teacher and Guidance Counselor. Her passion for education and commitment to the students she guided left an indelible mark on the community. She was a proud alumnus of Seton Hall University  and later Notre Dame College, where she earned her graduate degree.

Margaret’s life was filled with a multitude of passions and interests. She enjoyed travelling around the world with her friends, Linda and Anne, to London, Paris, Holland and Napa Valley.  And most notable, boarded the Orient Express.  Year after year, she and her longtime friends embarked on memorable trips to St. Maarten, where they crafted cherished memories under the sun. As a yearly season ticket holder to the Boston Ballet, Margaret fulfilled another of her passions.

Margaret also found joy in the art of stamping and the simple pleasures of a leisurely walk. She was a devout and active member of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish and a member of the Merrimack Valley Federation of Teachers, where she even served as President. Her dedication to education extended to the National Education Association of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Retired Educators Association, where she received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. Margaret also selflessly volunteered at The Pierce Manse, further illustrating her commitment to making the world a better place.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband, George Pyszka, in 1987, and an infant daughter in 1969. She also mourned the loss of twin sisters, Claire Dinard and Alicia Lindsay.

Margaret is survived by her children: Virginia (Ginny) Cate and her life partner, Jonathan Flynn; George and Rebecca Pyszka; Beth and Neil Gosselin; Andrew (Andy) and Suzanne (Suzie) Pyszka.  Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, including Mack and Candace Cate, Duncan Cate and fiancé, Danielle Provencher, Liam Cate, Kimberly Pyszka, Rebecca Pyszka and fiancé Matthew Harry, Olivia and Sam Gosselin, and Mike and Erin Pyszka. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren.

A gathering in Margaret’s memory will be held on Friday, November 17 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Phaneuf Funeral Homes, 243 Hanover St. Manchester, NH. A funeral mass will follow at 1:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Bedford, NH, followed by her burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Bedford, NH.