Margaret "Peggy" Hambrick Rubino

Peggy Hambrick Rubino, a long-time resident of Pleasant Ridge, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day at her lakehouse in Greenville, Michigan. She was surrounded by loved ones: her husband, her children and their spouses, and her grandchildren.

Peggy was a thoughtful, compassionate person whose natural warmth and deep empathy made others feel seen and special. Her smile was contagious and her presence could light up a room. Peggy was also strong and courageous (especially during her 17-year battle with an incurable cancer). She had a unique blend of grace and grit, and leaves behind a legacy of true kindness, determination, and devotion.

Born November 17, 1941, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Peggy was the eldest child of Victor and Jean Vogelbacker. She was a loving daughter, as well as a doting sister to her two siblings, Jeff (Jackie) Vogelbacker and Susie (James) Warner. From a very young age, she demonstrated a profound attachment to family that defined her life.

After graduating from Clarks Summit High School, Peggy attended Syracuse University where she met and later eloped with her first husband of 37 years, John L. Hambrick. They moved to Chicago before relocating permanently to suburban Detroit where they raised four children: John Hambrick, Rick (Stephanie) Hambrick, Melissa (Eric) Nelsen, and Chris (Nanci) Hambrick.

Peggy was actively involved in her community, its schools, and several charitable organizations. She also started an at-home business making porcelain reproductions of her antique doll collection. After her children had grown and left home, Peggy joined the staff at Ferndale High School as a college-liaison counselor. She was a fierce advocate for her students.

In 1998, Peggy suffered the heartbreak of John’s passing from cancer. To her surprise, she found love again and married Frank Rubino in 2001. Peggy and Frank built a supremely happy life filled with travel, antiquing, summertime boat rides, and simple pleasures like sharing morning coffee to start each and every day together.

Peggy cherished her role as family matriarch. She was enormously proud and fiercely protective of her children. Peggy lovingly embraced their partners in life and also welcomed Frank’s sons from his previous marriage. And she found great joy in her grandchildren; Victoria (Jeremy) Silas, Tricia Nelsen, John Nelsen, Lindsay Nelsen, Gretchen Hambrick, Hunter Hambrick, Audrey Hambrick, and Mia Hambrick. She will always be their beloved ‘Mimi’.

Peggy was a meticulous planner who loved to entertain family, friends, and colleagues at her home in Pleasant Ridge and lakehouse in West Michigan. She went to great lengths to make every gathering a memorable occasion or special adventure. She created many festive traditions that still live-on in her family.

Peggy’s other life-long passions included dogs, dancing, baking, and gardening.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, March 1st, 2026, at Wessels & Wilk Funeral Home in Pleasant Ridge, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am with the memorial service at 12 Noon (which will also be streamed live). There will be a celebration of life luncheon following the service.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Peggy Hambrick Rubino’s memory are invited to consider a donation to the Pleasant Ridge Garden Club. By citing Peggy’s name, these donations will be directed toward funding a new bridge in the wildflower garden at City Hall in Pleasant Ridge.

This event will be live-streamed. The link will be turned on 5 minutes before the Memorial Service begins at 12 noon on March 1, 2026.