Margaret Bondorew, lovingly known as Peg, died on Dec. 13 at her home on Martha’s Vineyard after a prolonged battle with heart disease. She was 90 years old.

Born Margaret Mary Coogan on Dec. 4, 1934,in Port Chester, N.Y., Peg was the daughter of Margaret and James Coogan and one of seven children. She lived a remarkable life filled with dedication to family, education and adventure.

Her early years were marked by frequent moves and rich experiences. She began her education in 1938 attending various elementary schools in the Port Chester area. From 1946 to 1949, she lived with her family on a farm in Berne, N.Y. where she helped with chores including tending to the farm animals. The lane leading to their farm later became known as Coogan’s Lane.

She attended Berne-Knox Central School, where she completed grades 7 through 10, and then attended Altamont High School for grades 11 and 12. During her high school years, she worked part of each summer babysitting for a wealthy family in Altamont who owned a picturesque island off the coast of Maine. She delighted in swimming in their saltwater pool and cherished the boat rides on a fisherman’s lobster boat to the island. One particularly memorable experience was her first taste of lobster, cooked in ocean saltwater and enjoyed on a rocky ledge by the sea.

After achieving high marks in academics and serving as editor and chief for the school newspaper, she graduated as salutatorian from Altamont High School in 1952. She went on to earn a BA in mathematics from the State University of New York at Albany and later an MA in mathematics from the University of Michigan.

In 1956, she married Todd Pulliam. They had two sons, Jody, born in 1960, and Chris, born in 1963.

Her professional career was distinguished by her dedication to teaching and her innovative contributions to education. In 1956, she began teaching math at Duanesburg Central and Berne Knox Schools in New York state. She later moved to Massachusetts and taught math and science at Winchester-McCall Junior High in Watertown.

In 1965 after returning to New York, she joined the Albany Academy for Girls as the director of mathematics. From 1970 to 1983, she taught at the Lexington Public Schools in Massachusetts, initially as an elementary math specialist and later at Diamond Junior High School and Lexington High School.

Her passion for mathematics and educational development led her to teach, guide and enable scores of successful students, some of whom were accepted at prestigious universities at 14 and 15 years of age.

In 1983, she joined Medway Public Schools, where she initially taught math and computer science before becoming the director of computer education for K-12. Her efforts culminated in the establishment of a separate computer education department, reflecting her vision for integrating technology into education. Her excellence in teaching was recognized nationally when she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching in 1983, personally accepting the award from President Ronald Reagan in Washington D.C.

She married John Bondorew in 1978 and they shared many happy years together, including their time spent at their beloved second home on Martha’s Vineyard. Throughout their working years and retirement Peg and John cherished countless days and nights enjoying the best of Vineyard life, often hosting family and friends. They relished in great food and drink, fishing from John’s boat the Osprey, swimming at the beaches, and many memorable moments together.

After retiring from K-12 education in 1995, she continued to impact the field as associate director for mathematics at Northeastern University’s Center for the Enhancement of Science and Math Education. She was instrumental in developing professional development models for K-12 teachers and coaches, leaving a legacy in the educational community.

Her life was not only marked by professional achievements but also by cherished family moments and adventures. She traveled extensively throughout the world, enjoyed sea fishing and earned many trophies in fishing derbies. Her family, including her sons Jody and Chris, and grandchildren Charlotte, Jack and Lilly, were the center of her world, and she created lasting memories with them through her love and dedication.

Peg embraced life to the fullest and will be remembered for her brilliance, fun-loving spirit and unwavering commitment to the field of education. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the indelible mark she left on the world. Her spirit, passion and dedication to her family, friends and students will forever be remembered. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.