Peggy Mathias

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Peggy Mathias

Margaret “Peggy” Beresford Mathias, age 89, of Dover and formerly of New Philadelphia, died suddenly, Thursday, November 20, 2025, in her residence.

Born on August 1, 1936, in Findlay, Ohio, Peggy was a daughter of the late Charles Beresford and Marie Arend Beresford Baumstark. At age 1 her father died and at age 10 her mother died. She then lived with her grandparents until the age of 13 when her grandmother died. Until her graduation from Catholic Central High School, Springfield, Ohio in 1954, Peggy lived with her aunt and uncle, Carl and Grace Arend. 

Following graduation, Peggy attended Ohio University at Athens where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education; and on August 21, 1959, she married George R. Mathias. Together the couple had one daughter, Jeanmarie.

Peggy devoted her life to education in many ways. First, by furthering her own education by obtaining her Masters of Science in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University and then returning for a master's plus earning an additional 18 credit hours at Akron University. All of this was done to better her classroom students over her 30-plus year tenure as an elementary school teacher. She spent one year at Dover City Schools and 29 years at New Philadelphia City Schools where she taught at Dover Avenue, West, and the former Tuscarawas Avenue. Throughout her time as an educator Peggy taught Second Grade, Kindergarten, and Fourth Grade. 

Upon her retirement in 1990, she began a second career at the Discovery World at the McKinley Museum. She spent one year as a volunteer which soon turned into a 13-year stint as the center’s manager. Always remaining active, Peggy spent several years serving as a preschool inspector and a preschool aide, including seven years as an aide with the Tuscarawas YMCA. 

Her volunteer work also kept her quite active as a coach and officer for the Special Olympics, and time spent with T-4-C, Share-A-Christmas program, the Dover Historical Society, Reeves Mansion, The Wilderness Center, The Ohio Retired Teachers Association, the Tuscarawas County Senior Center, College Club of Tuscarawas County, and Friends of the Library.

She was a loyal friend who shared her gifts, talents, basement, and basket making skills as a member of the “Underground Weavers”, had many adventures and trips with her friends, was generous with her funds, and helped anyone in need. She was a cat lover, an oil painter, crafter, and a lover of jewelry, which she often referred to as her “shiny things.”

Peggy will be missed by her husband of 66 years; their daughter, Jeanmarie (Joe) Roth of New Philadelphia; grandchildren, Sam Roth also of New Philadelphia, and Rachel Roth of Canton, a brother-in-law, David (Sharon) Mathias; her nephews, cousins, and many lifelong friends, whom she also considered family.

In honoring Peggy’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. However, a Mass to honor her lifelong devotion to the Catholic faith will be said in her memory in Sacred Heart Church at the 6:30 AM Mass on Monday, December 8, 2025. 

Memorial contributions to honor her legacy of giving to others may be directed to Share-A-Christmas, 1458 5th Street NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

“All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all.” — Cecil Frances Alexander

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Peggy by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.GeibCares.com.

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