Margaret Steinberg died on Sunday, Nov. 4 at the age of 69.

Peggy was born in Concord, N.H. and moved to Boston to train at the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene. After working briefly, she put herself through nursing school at the Massachusetts General Hospital and then completed her bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Northeastern University. With additional training, she subsequently became a nurse practitioner in adult medicine.

She was a staunch supporter of improving health care, especially for women. She was one of the original supporters and advisers of the Boston Women’s Health Book Collective that published the landmark Our Bodies Ourselves in numerous editions. She was a sought-after care provider in her practice and a ready source of advice to any one in need.

After retiring as a nurse practitioner, she began working with clay and became a ceramic artist. She was a proud member of the Harvard Ceramic Studio. In addition to her affinity for clay, she was an excellent cook and baker and a lover of the outdoors. Her knowledge of trees, plants and flowers was extensive. She was a self-taught practitioner of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging and she often was called upon to do the flowers for shows, parties and an occasional bar mitzvah or wedding.

The Steinberg’s have been longtime summer residents of Martha’s Vineyard. She was drawn to the opportunity on the Vineyard to be present in nature. The Vineyard’s coastal beauty was an inspiration for some of the pots and sculptures she created in her basement studio in Aquinnah. She would do “floating meditation” off Lobsterville Beach. She loved to fish and recorded a Grand Slam in the MV Derby.

She died after a 33-year battle with breast and ovarian cancer. She lived an extraordinarily full life despite her illness. She did not want to be defined as a cancer patient and until the end, she never looked like one. Her determination to fight–to accept the pain, infirmity and indignity, while remaining a woman with charm, intelligence, beauty, deep kindness and loving relationships–has been an inspiration to all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Dr. Gerald Steinberg, their children Molly Boyce and Daniel Steinberg, brother Eric Carlson and one grandson.

Margaret was predeceased by her sister, Dr. Kate Carlson.

A memorial service will be held at Congregation Kehillath Israel, 384 Harvard Street, Brookline on Dec. 14, 2018 beginning at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, donation suggestions will be posted on the Levine Chapels website at levinechapels.com.