Margaret “Peggy” Bersani, 90

Margaret “Peggy” Bersani (formerly Gleason) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Feb. 8, 2018. She was born on Dec. 3, 1927, in Coral Gables, Fla., where she spent her childhood.
Peggy graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish in 1948. She then briefly followed her mother into the teaching profession before being lured into the airline industry, where she served as a “stewardess” (as they were then called) with Eastern Airline until, on a sunny day off in 1951, she met the love of her life at the famous Venetian Pools in Coral Gables. The lucky man was a 24-year-old Navy doctor from Syracuse, Frank A. Bersani. In June of 1953, Frank and Peggy married. They raised their six boys in Syracuse.
In addition to being the mother of six boys, Peggy was an active volunteer in her community. For many years she assisted the Make-A-Wish Foundation and was a driver for Meals-on-Wheels of Syracuse. She was a communicant of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles. She was a tennis enthusiast at the Sedgwick Farm Tennis Club for many years and enjoyed playing golf at the Skaneateles Country Club.
Peg was a tireless cook who prepared many meals for her large extended family and relatives. She quickly learned to cook Italian from Frank’s sisters. Peggy also found time for a very active social life, which included membership in a group of 10 women who called themselves “the Flies.” The Flies socialized, traveled and celebrated birthdays together.
Peggy’s zest for life, compassion for friends and love of family was well known and will be missed by all. She was always happiest surrounded by her children and many grandchildren.
Peggy is predeceased by her parents, Lucy Guyton and Howard “Jack” Gleason; and brothers, Jack Gleason and James Gleason of Florida. She is also predeceased by her husband, Dr. Frank A. Bersani, and her eldest son, Frank A. Bersani, Jr., of Syracuse.
Peggy is survived by five sons, Michael (Alejandra), Thomas (Joan), Matthew (Molly), Stephen (Jennie), and Christopher (Cynthia) and her daughter-in-law, Kathleen (Heick) Bersani; 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Gilda Falco and Lisa Gleason, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass in celebration of Peggy’s life was held at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Thomas J. Pirro Jr. Funeral Home. Words of comfort may be expressed at tjpfuneralhome.com. Spring burial will be in St. Mary’s of the Lake Cemetery, Skaneateles.
Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels of Syracuse, 300 Burt Street, Syracuse, NY 13202.