SOUTH PORTLAND — Marguerite Hendrick Costello died at home on Feb. 21, 2012.

She was born in 1922 in Arlington, Mass., the daughter of Harold Arthur and Marguerite Knapp Bond, and studied journalism at Edgewood Park, Briarcliffe Manor, N.Y.

In 1947, she and her first husband, Arthur Hendrick, moved to Kennebunkport where they raised their four children. She was a member of the South Congregational Church.

After serving for eight years as assistant editor of the York County Coast Star in Kennebunk, she became editor in 1979. During her tenure as editor, the newspaper was named the best weekly in the country, and in 1981, the best in New England and in Maine by the New England Press Association.

Peg was a strong and skilled advocate for ecology and conservation. Her reporting helped passage of the bottle bill, the campaign for anti-phosphate legislation, and many other causes. While at the Star, she also wrote the popular ‘Peg Board,’ the first column many readers turned to every week.

Peg leaves her husband and love of 45 years, Hugh Costello of South Portland; and four children, Shirley Hendrick Hale of Center Lovell, Ruth Hendrick Wentzel of Topsham, Margaret Dean Hendrick of Center Lovell, and Arthur J. (Rick) Hendrick of Falmouth. Survivors also include six stepchildren, Kevin, Brenda, Mark and Justin Costello, Katherine Malone and Maureen Costello Anderson; four grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; and four great- grandsons.

Always young, Peg was a unique, brave, and beautiful presence in the lives of those who knew her, and will never stop being missed by those who did.

At Peg’s request, there will be no funeral service.