Margaret H Spotts
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. - Psalm 30:5
In Memoriam
Margaret Hufnagel “Peg” Spotts, 92, of Penfield, New York passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026. Born on February 13, 1934, in Blossburg, Pennsylvania, she was the beloved daughter of Jonathan Peter Hufnagel and Evelyn Brewer Hufnagel.
Peg spent her early years in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, where she formed many cherished childhood memories before traveling to Rochester, New York to pursue her passion for dental hygiene. Peg attended the Eastman Dental School, graduating with honors—a reflection of both her dedication and strong work ethic. She also studied at the University of Rochester and worked for Strong Memorial Hospital.
Peg met and fell in love with her late husband, Donald Ellis Spotts of Corning, New York, beginning a marriage grounded in unwavering devotion, mutual respect and enduring partnership. Together, they built a life centered on love, shared purpose and a steadfast commitment to family, supporting one another through every season with strength, grace and quiet understanding. Peg practiced dental hygiene in the Corning area for many years, where she was known for her gentle care, professionalism and the kindness she showed to every patient. She also shared her knowledge and passion for the profession by teaching dental hygiene to students in the Corning-Painted Post Area School District.
Together, Peg and her husband, Don contributed several years of their lives helping those struggling with drug and alcohol addictions in and around the Corning area, reflecting their deep compassion and commitment to others. Peg was also a dedicated member of the Corning Hospital Chapters Council where she spent many hours volunteering. She also Co-Chaired the Christmas Tree Fair held at the Corning Glass Center to benefit Corning Hospital, and was an active member of her local Presbyterian Church.
Following the unexpected passing of her husband, Don, in 1982, Peg relocated to Rochester a few years later to be closer to her sons. She continued practicing dental hygiene until her retirement, after which she worked part-time in childcare at the Eastside YMCA where her warmth and caring nature continued to touch the lives of many.
Peg found her greatest joys in spending time with her family and friends. She loved watching football—especially cheering on the Buffalo Bills—swimming, reading and listening to nostalgic music like the Ray Conniff Singers and her favorite musician Al Jarreau. She also enjoyed making strawberry jam, pickling, canning and was especially known for her family holiday salads and sweets which became cherished traditions. Flowers were her quiet refuge, bringing color, peace and a gentle, enduring sense of happiness to her life.
Peg will be best remembered for her ability to tell stories of her life in vivid details, as well as her resilient strength, grace, wit, sense of humor, good taste and gentle spirit.
Peg is survived by her son, James (Dorothy) Spotts of Penfield, New York; her two cherished granddaughters, Meghan (Mike) Kianmahd of Santa Monica, California, and Victoria (Nicholas) Dean of Brentwood, California; her great-grandson, Oliver Dean of Brentwood, California; and a second great-grandson, (Kianmahd) expected in July. Peg is also survived by her brother, Jim (El) Hufnagel; her sister, Diane Cady; her sister-in-law, Muff Hufnagel; and several nieces and nephews, including Sherri Stager, Jon Mark Cady, Michael and Christopher Hufnagel, Karen Adrian and JT, Matt and Mark Hufnagel.
A private family celebration of life will be arranged to honor our beloved matriarch, Peg.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and entire staff of the Cardiac and Palliative Care Units at Strong Memorial Hospital. Their compassion, dignity and unwavering dedication provided comfort and support during a deeply difficult time. The kindness shown to Peg and her family will always be remembered with sincere appreciation.
Peg will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. In our sorrow, we find comfort, strength and the assurance that her light continues on in the lives she touched, guiding us with love, grace and enduring memories.
Timeline
by Mary Elizabeth Frye
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Gallery
Memory Wall
Bill and Renee
We will remember the laughter around the table and the stories you shared. Your presence shaped our family in countless ways, and your memory will continue to live on in each of us.
You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
You were a hug when it was needed most. A “goodnight, love you” every night. A bed time story. Strawberry picking. Apple crisp on a cold fall day. A swim in the summer. A random message to say “love you angel babe.” A loud “yahoo” as the bills score a touchdown. An “oh cripe” when something went wrong. A “Godspeed” before every flight. Dried flowers. A rose bush. A musical. A perfectly fried egg. A delicious cucumber salad. Canned peaches. An Al Jarreau record and a dance party. A memory as sharp as a tack. Wrigley’s gum and wintergreen mints. Well manicured nails. Library books. “He’ll be back soon, pup.” A jewelry box. Condensed milk. Soft skin. “The farmer and the dell” when Oli would fuss. Butter pecan ice cream. Talk radio on all night. A foot tapping to jazz music. A laugh when maybe I’d rather cry. “I’m so lucky” on your final day. Strength. Resilience. Beauty. Grace. And so much more. To me, you were all the things that make a grandma perfect. I am so thankful for all of the life we shared and all the love you gave me. You were ever-present, and I know eternally you will be. I hope you are resting peacefully. Love always, your angel babe.
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