News Summary
Margaret ‘Peg’ Rysk, a beloved educator and family matriarch, passed away peacefully at the age of 94. Known for her dedication to teaching and nurturing family ties, she leaves a significant legacy with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A passionate art teacher, Peg inspired many through her commitment to creativity and education while actively engaging in her community.
WARWICK, RI — Margaret “Peg” Rysk, a cherished educator and matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 17, 2025, at the age of 94. Known for her dedication to education and her love for family, Peg leaves behind a lasting legacy through her four daughters, nine grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.
Margaret was married to her husband, Peter Paul Rysk, for over 70 years until his passing. She was born to the late Thomas and Margaret (Hesketh) Ryan and was predeceased by her older brothers, Thomas and Joseph Ryan. Raised in Cranston, Peg graduated from St. Xavier’s Academy and pursued her passion for art by obtaining a degree in art education from Rhode Island College.
Following her undergraduate studies, Peg furthered her education while balancing a full-time teaching career. She earned a master’s in art education with a minor in art history from Assumption College. Her passion for art extended beyond the classroom as she traveled to Italy, France, and Greece to study renowned masterpieces, enriching her knowledge and experience in the subject.
As an art teacher in Rhode Island, Peg influenced countless students, sharing her love for creativity and self-expression. Her dedication to education remained a cornerstone of her identity, inspiring future generations. Peg was especially fond of the ocean and enjoyed spending “barefoot summers” at Oakland Beach with her brothers, a tradition she later shared with her own children and grandchildren at the family’s beach house in Narragansett.
In addition to her teaching career, Peg had a profound passion for gardening, which she cultivated throughout her life. To those close to her, Peg was often seen as the “glue” that held families and friends together, organizing gatherings and fostering connections among her loved ones.
Her commitment to community was evident through her active involvement at St. Katherine’s Church in Warwick, where she and Peter volunteered on various committees. Peg and Peter enjoyed a fulfilling retirement, spending their summers in Narragansett and winters in Naples, Florida, where they made lasting memories together.
Margaret’s family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Brightview Commons, Steere House, and Hope Hospice for their compassionate care during her later years. She will be remembered not just for her accomplishments and dedication as an educator but also for her strength and nurturing spirit.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Margaret will be held on February 24, 2025, at 10:00 am at Christ the King Church, located at 180 Old North Rd., Kingston, RI. Prior to the mass, a visitation will take place from 9:00 to 10:00 am at the church. Burial will be private with the family’s wishes for a peaceful remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Katie DeCubellis Memorial Foundation, as a tribute to Margaret’s memory and her enduring legacy of love, education, and community service.
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Additional Resources
- Nardolillo Funeral Home: Margaret Rysk
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Providence Journal: Carol Cascella Obituary
- Google Search: Margaret Rysk
- Legacy: Alexa Helverson Obituary
- Google Scholar: Education Obituary
- Tukios: Memorial Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Nardolillo Funeral Home: Dolores Dupre Obituary
- Google News: Margaret Rysk
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