Celia ‘Peg’ McGhee

Celia ‘Peg’ McGhee

HILLSDALE — Celia “Peg” McGhee, 90, of Hillsdale passed away May 7, 2020, at home surrounded by her loving daughters.

She was born on Nov. 12, 1929, in Hudson, N.Y., to Celia (VanderBiesen) and Ira Stalker.

Celia was a graduate of Roeliff Jansen High School in 1947 and Albany Business College in 1948. She later worked at The Hotchkiss School as secretary to the headmaster.

On March 5, 1949, she married Floyd McGhee and became a stay-at-home mother and homemaker. Her husband predeceased her on Jan. 12, 2009, after 59 years of marriage.

Celia loved her family with all of her heart, and her home was referred to as “Grand Central Station.”

She was a wonderful wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma and will be missed greatly by her adoring family.

She is survived by three daughters and their partners, Sandra Whiteman and Neil Crawford, Kathy Giulian and Mike and Sally Herrick and Philip; three grandchildren, Scott Grenon, John Grenon and Amber Herrick, as well as an “adopted” grandson, Joe Gherardi;  three great-grandchildren, Harmony Grenon and Khloey and Khyia Simmons-Grenon; a sister, Janetta McCauley; and a cousin, Beth Kilmer. She also leaves her four grand-dogs, Lily, Jack, Manuel and Enu.

Due to the COVID–19 pandemic, a private service for immediate family members was held on May 11, at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home in Copake, the Rev. Kenneth Phesay officiating. Interment followed in the North Hillsdale Cemetery.

In memory of Celia, kindly consider donating to either the Columbia-Greene Humane Society or the Wounded Warriors Project, c/o Peck and Peck Funeral Home, P.O. Box D, Copake NY 12516.

To send an online condolence, go to www.peckandpeck.net.

Latest News

North Canaan Town Hall.
North Canaan Town Hall.
Photo by Riley Klein

NORTH CANAAN — After months away from Town Hall amid what she described as a “toxic” work environment, North Canaan Town Clerk Jean Jacquier has returned to the clerk’s office to complete the remainder of her term, which by law runs through Jan. 5 following her victory in the 2023 election.

Asked whether she felt comfortable being back, she was clear. “I certainly am,” Jacquier said. “I have nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Ohler, Bunce strike cooperative tone at Board of Selectmen meeting

Brian Ohler, left, and Jesse Bunce await the results of the Nov. 10 recount for first selectman in North Canaan. Bunce won by two votes.

Photo by Riley Klein

NORTH CANAAN — About 100 residents attended North Canaan’s Board of Selectmen meeting Monday night — with more than 40 joining remotely and roughly 60 filling the meeting room — marking Jesse Bunce’s first such meeting since being elected first selectman.

Bunce, who took office from Brian Ohler following last month’s close election, acknowledged that the transition has included some early bumps and thanked town officials and staff for their work during a period he said has not been without challenges. “I’d like to thank Brian for all the efforts that he’s put in in this transition,” Bunce said at the meeting. “This process has not been perfect. We are working through it all.”

Keep ReadingShow less
School lunch prices to rise at select District No. 1 schools

Housatonic Valley Regional High School, where the price of school lunch will increase to $4.00 beginning Jan. 5.

Nathan Miller

FALLS VILLAGE -- School lunch prices will increase at select schools in Regional School District No. 1 beginning Jan. 5, 2026, following a deficit in the district’s food service account and rising food costs tied to federal meal compliance requirements.

District officials announced the changes in a letter to families dated Monday, Dec. 15, signed by Superintendent Melony Brady-Shanley and Business Manager Samuel J. Herrick

Keep ReadingShow less
North Canaan Santa Chase 5K draws festive crowd

Runners line up at the starting line alongside Santa before the start of the 5th Annual North Canaan Santa Chase 5K on Saturday, Dec. 13.

By John Coston

NORTH CANAAN — Forty-eight runners braved frigid temperatures to participate in the 5th Annual North Canaan Santa Chase 5K Road Race on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Michael Mills, 45, of Goshen, led the pack with a time of 19 minutes, 15-seconds, averaging a 6:12-per-mile pace. Mills won the race for the third time and said he stays in shape by running with his daughter, a freshman at Lakeview High School in Litchfield.

Keep ReadingShow less