Margaret L. Constantine

Margaret Louise Constantine (Peggy), age 82, died Wednesday, December 26, 2012, in Hales Corner, Wisconsin. Peggy was born August 2, 1930, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Dr. Charles E. and Margaret Constantine. She graduated from Park High School in 1948 and Duke University in 1952 where she majored in English. She graduated from Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University, with a masters degree in journalism in 1954. Upon graduation, she began her journalism career at CBS-TV in Chicago, then moved to the editorial department of World Book Encyclopedia. In 1960 Peggy became a features reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. In 1965, Peggy was one of seven individuals awarded a two year Rockefeller Foundation grant to participate in the University of Southern California School of Music's Project for the Training of Music Critics. Upon her return to the Sun Times she was a reporter, reviewed classical music concerts, and wrote book reviews. She worked with, became friends with, and introduced many of her nephews and nieces and other family members to such luminaries as Ann Landers, Bob Greene, Mike Royko, Robert Marsh and Roger Ebert, to name just a few. She retired from the Sun-Times after 28 years of service. After retirement she moved to Racine to be closer to friends and family. She continued to write book reviews for the New York Times, taught journalism classes to graduate students at Northwestern University, learned to play golf and continued her love of traveling . Peggy was a great friend, a wonderful aunt, and one of the more interesting and kind individuals that one could meet. She was a great friend of animals with a special love for felines. She had an encyclopedic knowledge of classical music and could often identify a piece of music from the first note. She especially loved Beethoven, Brahms, and pieces that featured the piano. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Charles, her sister, Elizabeth (Gay) Bloor, her sister-in-law, Emma Constantine, and her dear friend, Dr. Elizabeth (Betty) Steffen. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Thomas Constantine, of Florida, sister-in-law, Dorothy Constantine of Racine, 14 nieces and nephews, Ann, Charley, Maggie, Kate , Steve, John B., Tom, John C., Julie, Liz, Becky, Sarah, Jeff, Mark, their spouses, children, and many friends. A memorial service in celebration of Peggy's life will be held on January 12, 2013 at St John's Chapel at The Dekoven Foundation, 600 21st Street, Racine Wisconsin commencing at 11:30 am. Memorials in honor of Peggy may be directed to the Racine Healthcare Network.