Mary "Peggy" (Bastine) Mayhew

Rotterdam - Peggy Mayhew, 64, went home to be with Jesus on October 31, 2014. She was born on August 7, 1950, to John J. and Mary Jean Bastine near Buffalo, NY. She graduated from Holland High School.Although being artistic and athletic, she chose to pursue a career in nursing and received an associate's degree from Genesee Community College. Peggy worked as a registered nurse for over 40 years in hospitals, homecare (her favorite), and administration. Peggy was Native American (Algonquin Kitigan Zibi) and explored her heritage by spending time with many Native communities in the U.S. and Canada. She moved from New York to California, where she met James R. Mayhew, her husband of 35 years. Peggy and James had a traditional Native American wedding ceremony in 1978 on the Tonawanda (Seneca) Reservation near Basom, NY. Their life together brought them to different towns in upstate New York before they settled in Schenectady, NY in 1986. Peggy was a devout born again Christian and was very active in the church community for more than 30 years. Peggy was a gifted Sunday school teacher, member of the prayer team, and food pantry volunteer. Peggy was a rebel, artist, evangelist, and FIGHTER . She was bold, strong, inspiring, and the warmest, sweetest person. She loved, she gave, she lived. Her smile, her laughter, and her voice will be cherished and missed. She is survived lovingly by her husband James, son John, daughter Starr, stepdaughter Teresa (children Elliott and Miranda), and dog Betty.She is also survived by her mother Mary Jean and brothers, John Peter, Michael (Pam), Tim (Kathy), and David (Anne). Calling hours will be held Friday, November 7, 2014 from 4-6 p.m. at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. A funeral service will immediately follow at 6 p.m. Memorial contributions in honor of Peggy may be made to: St Peter's Cancer Care Center, St Peter's Hospital Foundation, 319 South Manning Blvd Suite 114, Albany, NY 12208 or Victory Christian Church, 118 Quail St, Albany NY, 12206. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.demarcostonefuneralhome.com