Emily Margaret Kaeli of Shrewsbury, fondly known as Peggy, a devoted wife, beloved mother, cherished grandmother and the distinguished matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully March 12, 2026, after a private battle with lung cancer.
Born Dec. 26, 1942, in Long Branch, Peggy lived a life marked by fortitude, discernment and steadfast devotion to those she loved. From an early age, she possessed an innate sense of style, composure and judgment – qualities that shaped both her professional pursuits and her central role within her family.
In her early years, Peggy worked in the fashion industry in New York, where her refined taste and natural bearing were unmistakable. After marrying her loving husband, Bill, and raising her four children, she went on to build a successful and enduring career in real estate at Gloria Nilson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, balancing professional accomplishment with the demands of family life long before such balance was widely acknowledged or celebrated.
Peggy was a remarkable wife and mother. Her greatest and most enduring legacy was the family she built with her husband. She guided with steady wisdom and instilled in each of her children a deep sense of confidence and self-worth, raising them to be self-reliant, decisive and unafraid to chart their own course.
Peggy is survived by her children, Shannon de Boissard of London, England; William T. Kaeli Jr. (Julie) of Philadelphia; and Christopher S. Kaeli (Betsy) of Monmouth Beach. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Axel, Hugo, Annabelle, Everett, Oscar and Beatrix, who were a constant source of pride and joy. Peggy was preceded in death by her loyal husband, William T. Kaeli Sr., and her treasured daughter, Emily Margaret Kaeli.
Those who loved Peggy will forever miss her composure. She was poised without pretense, strong without display and unwavering without condition. She embodied what it meant to be a matriarch – anchoring generations with dignity, constancy and love.
Peggy faced her illness with quiet courage. Though her family grieves her loss deeply, they take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with those she loved, and watching over the family she shaped so indelibly.
In the words of Helen Keller, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Peggy forever remains within those who loved her.
In keeping with Peggy’s wishes, there will be no public celebration of her life. She chose to leave quietly and with grace, living on in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved her. For those who wish to mark Peggy’s passing, donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Neurology Research) in memory of her daughter, Emily Kaeli, at mskcc.convio.net/goto/emilykaeli, honoring the fight they shared against cancer.
Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the March 26 – April 1, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
