Peggy Hester Caswell
February 6, 1944 ~ August 15, 2026
Resided in: Alachua, FL
Peggy Hester Caswell, 82, of Gainesville, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, after a brief illness, leaving behind a family who loved her beyond measure.
She was born to Ida and Francis Hester on February 6, 1944, in Micanopy, Florida. After graduating from P.K. Young in 1962, she married, started her family and began her career helping to run the family general store, Red & White, in Micanopy. She then worked for many years as an Alachua County school bus driver and was lovingly known by the students as “Aunt Peggy.” Eventually she transitioned into the role of route coordinator until her retirement.
In the summer of 1971, after a devastating house fire exposed how vulnerable the small town of Micanopy was, Peggy was one of five women who stepped forward to form the first all-women volunteer firefighter team in the state of Florida. “Most of the men work in Gainesville and we felt if we had a little training, we could help out a little,” Peggy told The Gainesville Sun in a 1973
interview. While raising three children and continuing her daily school bus route, she completed the same rigorous 40-hour firefighting course as the Gainesville firefighters. Never one to stop learning when it meant she could better serve others, she later trained as an emergency medical technician, completing 80 hours of instruction and earning her EMT certification through
the Florida Department of Health. Her willingness to recognize a need, step forward, and learn how to meet it was a reflection of the way she lived her life—always ready to help her family, her friends, and her community.
Peggy had an adventurous spirit that stayed with her throughout her life. She loved being outdoors, from whitewater rafting and scuba diving to hiking, snow skiing, water skiing, and one of her favorites—scalloping on the Gulf with family. Those long summer days on the water became a treasured family tradition for many years. It was never just about the activity itself, but
about being together and making memories.
In retirement, Peggy enjoyed traveling across the United States and abroad with her husband. She remained active in her community as a member of the Elks Club and her local Garden Club. She cherished lifelong friendships and stayed connected with friends she had known since her youth. A devoted Florida Gators fan, she rarely missed a football, basketball, or
baseball game, whether attending in person or watching from home.
Peggy had a special appreciation for life’s simple pleasures: an ice-cold fountain Coke Zero, the perfect slice of tomato on a sandwich, a ripe peach, and the never-ending search for the perfect melon. She found joy in tending to her yard, caring for her collection of plants and flowers season after season. Bird feeders were thoughtfully placed in her yard so she could admire the
steady stream of visitors from her windows throughout the day.
Lovingly known as Mamie, Peggy was a steady presence in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her devotion was reflected in her eagerness to be part of their everyday lives, showing up, checking in, and making sure everyone had what they needed. Whether she was taking them to the movies or playing a competitive game of dominoes, Mamie’s company
made any ordinary moment feel special.
Peggy was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, Joseph Caswell. She leaves behind three children from her previous marriage to Stewart Meyer: Lori (Paul) Carlton, Terry (Elaine) Meyer, Michael (Chrissy) Meyer; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; her sister, Mary Nettles; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by four stepchildren: Jeanette
(Chuck, deceased) Sexton, Terry (John, deceased) Mills, Anita (Steve) Black, Jimmy (Debi) Caswell; nine step grandchildren; and ten step great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in her name to the Alachua Audubon Society to honor her lifelong admiration of birds. Donations can be made at https://alachuaaudubon.org/donate/ or mailed to AAS, PO Box 140464, Gainesville FL
32614-0464
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We did not know her well but would see her at her family’s get together’s. She was always so friendly and made us feel welcomed. I’m certain she will be missed not only by her family but this world needs many more “Mamies” in it! Prayers for comfort for her family. Sincerely, Dennis & Denise