BRUNSWICK — Peggy Sue Broadbent, 81, of Brunswick, died of a heart attack on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 24, 2015.

She was born in Brockton, Mass., on Jan. 23, 1934, the daughter of William E. and Blanche (Maschmeyer) McCreery Sr.

Peggy received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Wheelock College in Boston, Mass., and her master’s degree in early education from Syracuse University.

As a passionate educator known mainly for her first and second grade combined open-classroom teaching methods, Peggy left her mark on countless students. Some of these students from her Fayetteville, N.Y., teaching days have continued to keep in touch, even visiting as a group in her Maine home. In retirement, she authored a book outlining her approaches to early education. She founded Broadbent Primary School, which is operating to this day.

Peggy was a loving, wonderful wife and mother and friend to many. She will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Frank; son, Bill; daughter and sonin law, Susan Broadbent and Richard Dahlquist; and three grandchildren; along with many close family and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, and two brothers, John McCreery and Bill McCreery.

The family is planning a memorial on Peggy’s birthday, Jan. 23.

Memorial donations may be made to The Tedford Shelter, 49 Cumberland St., Brunswick, ME 04011.

Arrangements are by Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal St., Brunswick, where memorial condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com.