Margaret (Peg) Betterly Robinson, 66, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, while on vacation in Lenox, Massachusetts.

Peg was born in the Panama Canal Zone, where her father was stationed in the military.

Peg is survived by her daughter Eleanor Robinson and ex-husband David Robinson; mother Mary Lou Betterly; brother Jack Betterly; sister Jessica Betterly; and many devoted relatives and friends. Peg was predeceased by her father Jack Betterly.

Peg graduated from Emma Willard School in Troy, New York, and attended Wells College. After college she resided in Troy and served as postmistress at the RPI Post Office, and as a member and performer at the RPI Players.

After moving to Lompoc, California, she received her BA in religious studies from UC Santa Barbara and also studied mythological studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute.

A talented costumer, Peg for years taught sewing classes and was also former seamstress at PCPA Theatrefest. In more recent years, she was employed as a freelance writer and editor while simultaneously pursuing her own writing projects, mostly in the science fiction and fantasy genres.

She formerly worked at Strange Suns, but was perhaps best known for her Star Trek online serial novella “Talking Stick/Circle,” which was an ASC Award winner in 1995, 1996 and 1997.

She was was a past member of Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Lompoc.

Those who knew Peg will remember the warmth of her friendship, her beautiful soprano voice, affection for animals, passionate love of reading, the visual arts, cooking and gardening, and her lifelong interest in progressive politics.

A memorial service will be celebrated at a future date. In lieu of flowers, friends and relatives may make donations in Peg’s name to Heifer International.