Florence Saslow, known to many as “Peggy,” died Dec. 26, 2023, at age 100. She was surrounded by her loving family at the time of her death.
Born June 23, 1923, she dedicated her life to education and made a lasting impact on countless students who attended the New Milford School District. Her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds will always be remembered.
She taught home economics and science in the New Milford School District for many years before winning election to its board of education, which she served on for 19 years.
At age 91, she was named the New Jersey School Boards Association’s Board Member of the Year. She was also a delegate to the NJSBA Delegate Assembly and the Bergen County School Boards Association. She was previously named the Janet S. Lobsenz Award winner, which is given by the Bergen County School Boards Association in recognition of a board member’s excellence.
In 2018, she was named the New Milford Education Foundation Person of the Year in 2018.
In 2022, the tennis courts at New Milford High School were named in her honor. She was proud of being involved with the New Milford High School Holocaust Program.
At the dedication ceremony for the tennis courts, Mayor Michael Putrino, a former student of Saslow’s, issued a proclamation declaring April 2 Peggy Saslow Day. The proclamation notes some of her accomplishments; a 27-year teacher, mother of three, grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of seven. She was also a longtime library volunteer in addition to her many years of service on the New Milford Board of Education.
Saslow was also quite active and involved with the Simmons Alumni Executive Board and was honored to be named its secretary emeritus. She was a member of Friends of the New Milford Library and president of the Simmons College Club of New Jersey.
She earned a Master Board Certification from the NJSBA and was known for still playing tennis several times a week in her nineties.
Ray Pinney, lead director of member engagement and training at NJSBA, said one of the highlights of his career was getting to know someone like Saslow. “She was so dedicated to the students and public education,” he said. “She was a tremendous school board member. She was caring, funny, yet determined. I found her very inspirational. She was one of those people who, when someone mentioned her name, a smile came to your face. She will be missed.”
Dr. Timothy Purnell, executive director and CEO of the NJSBA, said, “Peggy Saslow was a beacon of inspiration and left a legacy on the hearts of children in New Milford. As she peacefully rests at 100, her spirit lives on in the laughter of students and the echoes of a court that bears her name.” He added, “She will also forever be remembered as an NJSBA Board Member of the Year and as a teacher who taught not just subjects, but the enduring power of kindness and wisdom.”
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Sidney, and is survived by her son, Steven Saslow; her daughter, Susan Saslow, and her husband Robert Isenberg; and her daughter, Judy Saslow Bounan, and her husband, Les; her grandchildren, Julie, Jason, Shanna, Marielle, Vanessa, David, Benjamin, Anna Lisa and Alex; and five great-grandchildren.
The burial was in Beth El Cemetery, 735 Forest Ave, Paramus. Arrangements were by Gutterman, Musicant & Wien Funeral Homes.
She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey.
Please join the family in celebrating her life and sharing your condolences on her obituary page.