Margaret Ann Bufalino Spenlinhauer, 79, of Stonington, CT and formerly of Hingham, MA passed away peacefully on November 11., 2021, at home surrounded by family after a brief battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
Peg was the daughter of Margaret LeBlanc & Raymond Bufalino from Swampscott, MA. She attended Swampscott High School and Trinity College, class of 1964, and worked as a schoolteacher in North Conway, NH before starting a family and raising her children in Hingham, MA.
One of Peg’s favorite stories was the time she coyly defied her father. Peg was 17 when she asked her father if she could take the car to Stowe, Vermont to go skiing. Her father promptly said “no”. So, being the rule follower that she was she abided, but even at a young age she immediately saw another way. Her father said she could not take the car to Vermont, but he didn’t say that she couldn’t go, so she thought “If I charter a plane, I’m not breaking the rules.” That very day she and a friend charter a plane and flew to Vermont. When they arrived, she realized that she needed to be 18 to rent a car, to which she said, “Well looks like we will have to hitch hike.” Peg made it to Stowe that day.
Peg approached life as if nothing could stop her. She was strong, curious and tenacious. She was always up for a challenge and an adventure, ready to go anywhere with anyone - especially with her older brother and best friend Bill. Whether it was learning how to ski by listening in on other people’s lessons to never giving up on an 18 yearlong divorce, there was never a challenge that she could not overcome. She was especially proud for being on ‘Divorce Wars’ on CNBC, and both outsmarting and outworking several prominent Boston lawyers opposing her. Upon completion of her own ordeal, she was able to help numerous women find their own inner voice. Everything to her was an adventure. The stories are endless and always bring a smile to our faces.
Peg lived life her way, on her terms. She had a heart of gold and would always go above and beyond to help someone and make them feel special. Her door was always open, and because of that she had many friends from all walks of life. She left a legacy with her passion for skiing and has instilled in us the importance of family above all else. Peg’s greatest loves were her family, friends and Nastar (and possibly not in that order).
She is off on her next adventure, racing Nastar on a perfectly groomed trail with the sun shining down on her. She was a legend and will be missed by many.
Peg was predeceased by her parents and brother Raymond. She is survived by her brother William Bufalino; her children: John E. ‘Sepp’ Spenlinhauer IV (Brian Fassett); Meg Spenlinhauer (Peter Bergendahl); Eric Spenlinhauer (Tania); and Emmy Spenlinhauer (Jesse Wychules); 9 grandchildren: Tyler, Brooke, Spencer, Brady, Tia, Cole, Calvin, Andrew, Tucker, and many close family members and friends she cherished deeply. There will be a celebration of her life at her home on December 4th from 1:00–5:00 pm. Please email [email protected] if you need directions.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Runs for Research where 100% of all proceeds will be given to Dana Farber Cancer Institute: https://jvblount.wixsite.com/runs4research or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: www.pancan.com.