Sadly, we have learned of the passing of Marion (Sexton) Peckholdt, Class of 1981. Her Brother Michael Sexton (Class of 1989) reached out to us with the tragic news.

Marion was born 06/22/1963 and passed on 10/15/25.  She was only 62 years of age.

Our deepest condolences to Marion’s family, friends, teachers, classmates and all who knew her.  The below article appeared in the Babylon Beacon;

Marion Peckholdt, longtime Babylon nursery school director, at 62

October 30, 2025

By Carolyn James

Marion Peckholdt, a longtime educator and director at St. Joseph’s Nursery School in Babylon Village, died of heart failure on Oct. 15 in Riverhead. She was 62.

“Her true passion in life was working with young children and instilling a love for learning,” her daughter, Kelly Peckholdt, said.

Born in Bay Shore, Mrs. Peckholdt lived in Sayville, Babylon Village, and then West Islip. Her dedication to early childhood education was evident in every facet of her work at St. Joseph’s. She held a master’s degree in education and brought not only her expertise but also an abundance of warmth and enthusiasm to the classroom.

“There are countless local children who had her as a teacher and then a school director who loved her,” Kelly Peckholdt said. “She mentored many teachers over the years, and she truly had a lasting impact on the school and all who knew her.”

Mrs. Peckholdt was also a loving mother to her two children, an animal lover, and an avid musician who played piano and violin for her entire life.

Mrs. Peckholdt is survived by her mother, Dorothy Sexton-Nagel of Riverhead; her daughter, Kelly Peckholdt, and her husband, Kevin Flood, of Babylon Village; her son, Christopher, and his husband, Adam Urbina, of Miami; her brother, Michael Sexton, and his wife, Jennifer, of San Diego; her grandchildren, Everett and Vivian of Babylon Village; and her nieces and nephews, Keegan and Jillian of San Diego.

Funeral arrangements were handled by the Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead. Cremation was private, and burial took place at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Sayville. A small memorial service will be held at a later date, the family said.  

To honor Marion’s life and enduring legacy, we have created a dedicated memorial page, offering a lasting space for remembrance and reflection. Furthermore, each year on her birthday, June 22nd, the Sayville Alumni Association will pay special tribute to her—celebrating the joy, kindness, and warmth she brought into the lives of so many.

It is our sincere hope that this annual remembrance serves as a source of comfort to all who knew and loved Marion. May it keep her vibrant spirit alive, allowing her memory to continue to shine brightly in our hearts for years to come.