Obituary of Margaret Clinkscales

Margaret ("Peggy") Clinkscales, age 78, of Trumbull, died at St. Vincent's Hospital on Friday, January 22, 2016. She was a devoted wife of 53 years to her late husband Alvin, mother to Keith (Gia), Norma and Erik, and grandmother to Robel. She was born in Bridgeport, CT to Wesley and Lucille Holmes. A lifelong resident of Connecticut, she attended Warren Harding Harding High School as well as Southern Connecticut Teachers College. Peggy went on to become a dedicated and fearless educator. After her tenure at Southern, she continued to earn several advanced level teaching degrees during her life. Her dedication to teaching was best demonstrated in her participation with the 1978 Bridgeport Teachers strike. After not being able to agree to a contract, Peggy and her fellow teachers were ordered by a Judge back to work. Peggy, along with 273 of her comrades, served a short time in jail until the contract was approved. Due to the brave actions of the teachers, contract disputes now go to binding arbitration, a model often replicated around the country. Although she taught numerous elementary grade levels in the Bridgeport School system, primarily as a fourth-grade teacher at High Horizons Magnet School in Bridgeport, Peggy radiated her enthusiasm and educational skills to the entire community. Her techniques had been acclaimed both in the classroom and at the state Institute for teaching and learning, where she has been a presenter on 'Critical Thinking and Literature'. With a genuine interest in the diversity of her students' backgrounds, she took an active role in a district-wide African-American organization promoting multi-cultural understanding. She also chaired on the statewide Celebration of Excellence (educator) Advisory committee and worked to increase the private sector's involvement in the city's professional development program. During her teaching career, Peggy received numerous awards, commendations and honors. However, being selected as one of the top educators in Connecticut and receiving the Milken Educator Award in 1988 serves as the pinnacle of her educational achievement. Later in her life, another passion for her was her love of quilting. She was a member of the Connecticut Piecemakers Quilt Guild and loved to make special quilts for members of her family and attend the biennial Quilt shows. She loved these two quotes: "Quilting is sharing yourself with others" as well as "Quilts connect the past with the present and the future." In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her sister, Norma J. Holmes, nephew, Russell, niece, Victoria, great nephew, Jordan and many special family and friends. She is predeceased by brother Wesley Holmes Jr. Visiting hours will take place from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT 06611. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 29th, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Messiah Baptist Church, 210 Congress St., Bridgeport, CT 06604. Burial will follow in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the following would be appreciated: The Margaret A. Clinkscales Teachers Scholarship Fund, 581 Main Street, Suite 640, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.