Margaret Ann (Peggy) Dee

Everyone who knew Peggy Dee agrees, she was an exceptional person, and will be missed by people far and wide. She was a devout Catholic, a community organizer, a supporter of all things Irish, a football fan extraordinaire, a curious traveler, a kind caretaker to her mother and brother, and a beloved relative to many.

Peggy, born in Washington, DC, in 1939, graduated from Mackin High School and started working at the Justice Department. She was recruited by the Government due to her high personal standards and attention to detail. Her career, which included a Top Clearance, spanned 48 years. During this time, she received many Distinguished Employee awards.

In 1968 her family, which included her parents, Margaret and Thomas, and her brother, John, moved to Hyattsville, where a life of involvement and commitment to the town began for Peggy. She participated in many community activities and wrote a column for the Prince George’s Sentinel and other publications about items of local interest. It seemed that Peggy knew everyone---and everyone knew Peggy.

She attended St. Jerome’s throughout those working years and volunteered at many events. The same spirit of volunteerism that was seen in the community was seen at her church.

Her dear parents immigrated from Ireland in the 1920s along with many others in the family. They never grew far from their roots. Peggy was raised to honor and admire her Irish heritage and became active in several organizations, such as the Irish American Club, where she served as Financial Secretary for many years, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Washington. Her home was full of Irish icons, like Irish flags, Celtic crosses, maps of Ireland, and statues of St. Patrick. She attended every Irish event that she could throughout the Washington area.

While her family members were still alive, she served as a devoted caretaker to them. Her brother, John, was disabled, but Peggy took him to all the events she attended. Her devotion was noted and admired by everyone. She also had various cats over the years. Were they lucky to have such a mother watching over them!

On Sunday afternoons throughout the winter, Peggy could be found rooting for her favorite football team. She never got used to the new name of Washington’s team, but she cheered for them nonetheless. Football was not her only passion. She also attended various televised sporting events at local bars throughout the year. Curling, rugby, Irish football. As long as it was Irish, and especially if it involved County Kerry, she was there cheering on her team.

After she retired and after the death of her parents and brother, she began traveling. Cruises took her throughout the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, and land tours showed her the homeland of her parents as well as spots in the US. She always came home with a sweatshirt to show where she had been. Her closet was a map of the world.

Many people admired Peggy, a quiet, peaceful, loving, intelligent, charming soul. She will be missed by many people throughout the area. Her relatives especially will find peace in knowing that she has now reunited with her parents and brother. She made a great impact on those lucky enough to know her. We are better people because we knew her.

Rest in Peace, Peggy.