Margaret Jean Flanagan Cinberg

June 4, 1946 - March 9, 2022

Margaret Jean Flanagan Cinberg, "Peggy," 75 years old, died surrounded by loved ones on March 9 after a nearly year-long uterine cancer treatment. Peggy prioritized being a loving parent, teaching the underserved, and social activism. She was part of the founding staff at Ms. Magazine (1970-1973), a reporter for the New York Times (1973-1978), and an editor at Bantam Books. She was the first female officer of a volunteer fire department in Westchester County, NY. From 1995 to 2008, she taught English at St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey. Recently, she founded a community-based organization in South Orange, NJ, for senior citizens. After moving to St. Augustine, Florida, she became a supporter and later served on the board of the St. Augustine Music Festival. At the time of her death, she had been married for forty-five years to James Cinberg, MD, and their shared values shaped a welcome and lively home filled with lots of conversations. She opened her doors to those in need, and many counted her as a second mom. She was proud that all seven of her children entered teaching and helping professions: EMT, psychologist, teacher, social worker, soccer coach, and police officer. Peggy brought creativity to everything she touched: house design and renovation, landscape design and gardening, cooking, sewing, and knitting. She was an avid and critical reader, helpful editor to all, and crossword puzzler. She loved to travel, especially to developing countries, and developed deep ties to those she met in Mali. Peggy, class of '64, loved Hunter College High School. This selective public school was created to educate girls and is located in New York City. She also attended Barnard College in New York City and was a life-long student taking classes, most recently studying music through online classes at Yale University. Prior to moving to St Augustine in 2018, she lived in New York City, Pound Ridge, New York, East Lansing, Michigan, and Maplewood and South Orange, New Jersey. Her legacy continues with her husband, Dr. James Cinberg, their children, Daouda Kante (Aminata Kasse-Kante), Brent Cinberg (Veronica Acosta), Ibrahim Kante, Max Cinberg, Olivia Cinberg, Benjamin Mama Cinberg (Menasha P. Cinberg), and Indigo Madeleine Cinberg, and her grandchildren, Aissata Kante, Bakary James Kante, and Mariam Margaret Kante. She fostered deep and lasting ties to her friend, Laura Boxer, and sister, Marta. She is survived by her siblings, Anne Flanagan of Connecticut, Malcolm Flanagan of Connecticut, Marta Flanagan of Massachusetts, and Gavin Flanagan of Vermont. Visiting hours at her home in St. Augustine are Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm. Plans for a memorial service are to be determined. In place of flowers, you are invited to make donations in her name to Peggy to any of the following places: Hunter College High School Gifts can be sent to the Hunter College Foundation to support the Hunter College High School. To donate online: https://hunter.cuny.edu/give/ - please select "Tribute Gift" in memory of Margaret Cinberg. To make a gift by check, please make it payable to Hunter College Foundation, in memory of Margaret Cinberg, and mail it to The Hunter College Foundation, 695 Park Avenue Room 1313E, New York, NY 10065. Daouda Kante Foundation Gifts of tribute in remembrance of Margaret Cinberg may be made to the Daouda Kante Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that uses the power of soccer to support the basic needs of the people of Mali. Gifts may be made via check and can be written out and mailed to Daouda Kante Foundation: 9714 W. 131st Terrace, Overland Park KS 66213 or online by visiting the Daouda Kante Foundation Facebook page. St. Augustine Music Festival Gifts of tribute in remembrance of Margaret Cinberg may be made to the St. Augustine Music Festival, a not-for-profit organization that sponsors free concerts of classical music in St. Augustine. Gifts may be made via check can be written out and mailed to St. Augustine Music Festival, P.O. Box 833, St. Augustine, FL 32085-0833 or online by visiting https://www.staugustinemusicfestival.org.