Margaret Billmyer Spector

OSWEGO – Margaret Billmyer Spector, 77, of Oswego died Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Margaret was born on August 20th, 1947, in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of the late artists John and Mina (Conant) Billmyer. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver and then moved to New Orleans where she worked for Godchaux’s department store.  After a few years of jazz, chicory coffee, and beignets, she found her way to New York City to work as a buyer for Abraham & Strauss.  There, she met the love of her life, “Chuckie”, on a blind date.  The two married in 1973 and recently celebrated their 52nd anniversary.

Within months of marriage in Rockville Centre, they moved north to Oswego to build a life together. This also marked the beginning of a lifetime of world travel with Chuck by her side. Margaret finished her master’s degree in Education at SUNY Oswego and completed doctoral coursework at SU. She was an educator, teaching at SUNY Oswego, The International School of Kuala Lumpur, SU, and the Oswego City School District. Beyond living a life of the mind and to the delight of her family, especially around the holidays, she was a gastronome and masterful cook.

She was a member of SUNY Oswego’s Newcomers Club, and Winter Club of Oswego. She was also a board member of the Oswego County Salvation Army, and a volunteer with Family Planning at OCO.  She enjoyed the company of funny friends, gardening, garage sailing, reading the New Yorker, cooking, traveling, dark chocolate, crossword puzzles, and bunny shoes.  Margaret is survived by her loving husband, and devoted bridge partner, Charles “El Guapo” Spector of Oswego, and their children Charles II (Jennifer) Spector of Illinois, Kate (David Cooper) Spector of Oswego, her grandchildren Natalie Mae, and Mina Jane. She is also survived by her siblings Jennifer Rizzo of Syracuse, Johanna (Louis Moore) Billmyer of Denver, Steven (Helinä) Spector of Oregon, and several dearly loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Calling hours will be Tuesday June 10th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the Sugar & Scanlon Funeral Home 147 W. 4^th St. Oswego. Burial will be private. Rather than sending flowers, pick up a good book, offer kindness freely, and savor the joy of a well-cooked meal with someone you love.

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