Peggy Louise Sustic Teal

Peggy Louise Sustic Teal passed away peacefully at 5:55 PM on May 23, 2026, in the home of her daughter and son-in-law after a long and courageous battle with bile duct cancer. She was surrounded by the love, comfort, and presence of family and friends who walked beside her throughout her illness and throughout her life.

Born on February 7, 1953, in Olean, NY, to Raymond Sustic Jr. and June Frederica Lafferty, Peggy grew up on a horse and dairy farm. She loved being outdoors — riding her horse, laying on the cows, and taking in the beauty of nature. It was there that her deep love for animals and the outdoors began. She enjoyed reading, planting flowers with her daughter, music, and, of course, a great party with a Kahlúa in hand.

Peggy’s life was marked by resilience, generosity, and deep devotion to the people she loved. She was a sharp wit, with a reliable and contagious laugh. Anyone who knew Peggy knew her boisterous belly laugh. Her’s were hands that always reached first with kindness and care. She was forcefully gentle, radiantly available and remains one of us. 

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Montana and Tim Schlesinger, who cared for her with profound love and tenderness during her final months.

She is also survived by her brother, Raymond Sustic III; sister, Sandra Perkins; husband, Jeff Teal; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Crumb; and beloved nieces, Samantha and Ashley Crumb.

Peggy is further survived by her Sustic cousins: Mark, Ken, Kevin, Dan, and Jack; and her Lafferty cousins:  Terry, Carl, Debbie, Brad, Lynn, Laurie, Chris, and Jason.

Lastly, she is survived by her cherished friends: Sandy Silverman, Sue Smith, Steven Costanza, Jonathan Gracia, and Steven Gracia.

Peggy’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she brightened with her warmth, humor, and kindness. She had a way of making those lucky enough to be in her orbit feel truly seen, accepted, and loved.

We find comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved father, whom she missed deeply.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to aid in the creation of a full-season memorial garden, where her spirit and love of nature and beauty will continue to be honored.

Donations for a full-season (Zone 6b) memorial garden may be made via Venmo at: @Peggys_MemorialGarden