Margo Ann Stavrides Perschbacher of Salida, Colorado, died Thursday, December 5, 2024. Margo was born September 27, 1951, in the village of St. James, in the Town of Smithtown, Long Island, New York. Her parents, Stephen and Marie Stavrides, who preceded her in death, were of Greek descent. Her grandparents emigrated from Greece in the early 1900s. Margo’s energy resembled that of a hummingbird, busily sipping at life’s flowers. Colorful in her opinions and activities, she was an artist (wood carving and watercolors were favorites), a ceramist, a pianist, a gourmet cook, and a gardener. Her creativity was stimulated by Ute Trail, a rustic family cabin in St. Elmo, the Hutchinson Ranch, trips to Santa Fe, and her garden of flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
Christmas was a special highlight with glorious decorations and parties for friends and business partners. Baklava, Greek cookies, spinach pies and more appeared on the tables to tempt all who attended. She nurtured others with her fiery personality and teaching skills. Her intellect was ferocious, and she kept her peers on their mental toes in any discussion. While full of fire (her favorite color was red), perhaps a less obvious quality was her vulnerable side that showed in her passion for people and animals alike. Whether teaching children to press Aspen leaves into slab plates or giving piano lessons, her expectations and kindness left her students with a lifelong love for learning. Her grandchildren were especially close to her heart. Grandson Cody remembers arriving at her home after school getting “the biggest hug in the world”. To feed his hunger she made him the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich ever and served it with chocolate milk. They would sit on the couch and watch movies and eat sweets. “It was awesome.” She also surrounded herself with animals. Her daily routine consisted of feeding chickens and collecting their eggs, throwing hay to the horses, and spreading scraps to her goats, all while her dog Huck followed at her heels. In the 1960’s, Margo saw the Beatles at Shea Stadium in NYC and went to Woodstock with friends. She graduated from Alfred University with a degree in Education and a minor in pottery. She went on to obtain her master’s in education. When she was offered a position to teach 3rd grade in Salida, Margo fulfilled her dream to live near the mountains. She loaded her Suburban and her father loaded his SUV and headed West. With great fortitude and courage Margo moved to Salida, a state she had never visited. She soon obtained a baby grand piano and hired the same man to move it for her twice, once to an apartment and the second time to a house she purchased on E Street. Tired of moving Margo’s piano, the man married her. After ending her teaching career at the middle school, she retired in 2001. Her second career was as a Bookkeeper/Manager for Muddy Dog Equipment, OAK Construction, and CRS Timber Products. She also did all the personal bookkeeping for her husband and children and managed the estate of her mother, Marie Stavrides. With passion, loyalty, and love, Margo cared for her husband, children, and grandchildren until her last breath. She will be remembered as Yai Yai, a familiar, affectionate term for a grandmother in Greek culture. She is survived by her husband Kirby Perschbacher, children Charis Cheeseman (Shawn) and Nicholas Prentice (Molly Hall) Perschbacher, and grandchildren Cody Robert Cheeseman (and Audrey Knapp) and Tait Cain Cheeseman, all of Salida, CO. She is also survived by her sisters Daphne Stavrides, Appomattox, VA, and Thalia Stavrides, Smithtown, NY (daughter Melissa). In-laws include Micheal Trent Perschbacher (Colleen) of Cañon City, CO, Ruth Ellen Perschbacher Price of Salida, CO, (Paul Ostapuk of Page, Arizona) and Mark Wendel Perschbacher of Salida, CO. Nephews John Perschbacher (Tabitha) of St. Elmo, CO, Kolton Perschbacher of Denver, CO, Kael Perschbacher of Dillon, CO, and Mark Mattson (Carol) of Salida, CO. Nieces Maude Blaylock (Alex) of Bristol, TN, and Kortney Romanetz (Ted) of Cassopolis MI. Also, great-nephews Silas and Holston Blaylock of Bristol, TN. Friends who desire may make memorial contributions to: Longfellow Elementary School’s Art Program, c/o Madison Everett, 425 W 7th St, Salida, CO 81201
