Margaret A. O’Shea, 82, of Worcester, died Sunday, November 1, 2015 at the Odd Fellows Home in Worcester, after a long illness.

Peggy leaves her sister-in-law, Julie O’Shea of Worcester, two nieces, Maureen E. Santisi of Ridgefield, Conn. and Molly O’Shea Genatossio of Worcester, five nephews, David O’Shea of Windham, Maine, Robert H. Shortsleeve Jr. of Jamaica Plain, David M. Shortsleeve of Worcester, Stephen A. Shortsleeve of Altoona, Penn. and Matthew J. Shortsleeve of West Newton; and many grandnieces and grandnephews. Her sister Marie S. Shortsleeve died in 2006 and her brother Michael J. O’Shea died in 2007.

Peggy was born in Worcester, daughter of David J. and Marie S. (Haubrich) O’Shea, and lived in Worcester all her life.

Peggy attended the former Blessed Sacrament School in Worcester. She graduated from St. Peter’s High School in Worcester and Anna Maria College in Paxton, which later honored her with its Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Peggy was a teacher for 42 years at the Peaslee Elementary School in Northborough, before retiring. She was a respected educational program innovator during her long career.

Peggy had a passion for the protection of unborn children. She was devoted to the Pro-Life movement and participated in countless aspects and events associated with her cause including many of the annual Pro-Life marches in Washington, D.C.

She was a lifelong member of Blessed Sacrament Church.

Calling hours are Friday, November 6, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Problem Pregnancy, 495 Pleasant St., Worcester 01609 or Blessed Sacrament Parish, 551 Pleasant St., Worcester 01602.