Obituary of Margaret B. Christensen

Margaret Batson Christensen

February 18, 1925 – July 3, 2018

Margaret Batson Christensen died peacefully at her home in Williamsville on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at the age of 93. She recently celebrated 70 years of marriage with her husband, Richard Christensen, with whom she shared many debates, conversations and , most importantly, steadfast love. She was politically active in her community and was chairwoman of the All Parks Committee that, following the Williamsville Glen Park fire, fought to create present-day Glen Park instead of high-rise buildings.

Born Margaret Kittinger Batson on February 18, 1925, Peggy grew up in Buffalo and graduated in 1943 from Buffalo Seminary. She continued her schooling at the University of Buffalo, graduating in 1948 with a BA in Spanish. It was at UB that she met her husband, Richard, a fellow student and outing club member. They were married on June 22, 1948 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Love of the outdoors continued throughout their marriage. In 1950 they built and moved into a home on Brookside Drive in Williamsville. There they raised their four children, tended to the gardens and celebrated many happy occasions. They also maintained a summer residence in South Wales, named “Wildflower Woods,” where they enjoyed many family and social gatherings and countless peaceful moments.

For many years, Peggy wrote a column called “Focal Points” for the Metro Community News, highlighting local politics and environmental issues. Peggy and her husband were active members of the Niagara Frontier Botanical Society, Buffalo Ornithological Society and Foothills Trails Club. Both she and her husband were recognized by the Buffalo Audubon Society with the Sheldon Merritt Award. She was dedicated to a number of causes, including Planned Parenthood.

In addition to her husband, Peggy is survived by four children: Susan (Robert) Besanceney of Orchard Park, Erie (Diane) of Garden City, Missouri, Peter (Peggy) of Marilla, and Hans of Clifton Park; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a brother, Frederick Batson of Buffalo.

A private burial took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo. The family would like to thank long-time caregivers Leah Benzin and Lynn Miller, as well as many other dedicated care givers.

The family invites you to stop by the Christensen Home (9 Brookside Drive, Williamsville) on Monday, August 20, 2018 anytime from 2 to 7 PM. We welcome you to reminisce and share memories with Peggy’s husband and family.