Peg (LaFarr) Culver

Salem – Peg Culver, 85, of Salem, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.

Born on May 19, 1940, in Fort Edward, NY, Peg was the daughter of the late Harold and Elizabeth (Bordeaux) LaFarr.  She was a 1957 graduate of Salem Washington Academy and went on to attend the Carnegie Institute of Medical Technology.

Peg devoted much of her life to the service of others through her work at the Bancroft Public Library in Salem.  Over the course of 43 years—24 of them as Library Director—she was a steadfast presence in the community, always eager to help others discover the joy of reading and learning.  Even after her retirement in 2013, she continued to work Saturdays at the library, a testament to her love for the institution and the people it served.  She also shared her talents at the high school library for 12 years, further enriching the lives of students in the community.

A woman of quiet strength and deep faith, Peg was a devoted communicant of Holy Cross Church in Salem.  She found joy in painting, caning chairs, and everything horses, but nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her family—especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Peg is survived by her husband of nearly 62 years, David E. Culver, whom she married on July 22, 1963.  She was a loving mother to Catherine (James) Carroll of Voorheesville, NY, and Carol (Keith) Kittredge of Charlotte, VT.  She and David also lovingly raised William (Dawn) Culver of Hudson Falls, NY, and James (Anna) Culver of Houston, TX.

She is also survived by her sisters; Carolyn “Collie” (late John) Bentley of Shoreham, VT, Mary Ellen (Michael) Havern of Queensbury, NY, and Betty Jean (late James) Padgett of Hudson Falls, NY.  Peg was a proud grandmother to James (Ana) Carroll, Kirsten (Matt) Hendrick, Samantha Kittredge, and Kienan (Kaitlyn) Kittredge.  She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Peg was predeceased by her brother, Henry Paul LaFarr.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 am Monday, July 7, 2025 at Holy Cross Church, 249 North Main St., Salem with Rev. Peter Tkocz officiating.  Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.  A reception will be at the Salem Vol. Fire Dept., 53 South Main St., Salem following the services.

Memorial contributions in Peg’s memory may be made to the Bancroft Public Library, P.O. Box 478, Salem, NY  12865; the Salem Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 360, Salem, NY  12865; or the Salem Vol. Fire Dept., P.O. Box 449, Salem, NY  12865.

To express your sympathy or share a memory of Peg, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

The McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, Inc. in Salem is assisting the family with arrangements.

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