Margaret Anderson Melton

May 1936 — 2025

Today we celebrate the life of Margaret (Peggy) who passed away on February 27, 2026 at her home in the care of her family.

Peggy was born in Washington, D.C. in May 1936 to Frank Anderson and Clara Bacon. The family moved to Jackson Heights, New York where they lived from 1941 to 1945. They later settled in Riverdale, Maryland in 1947 where Peggy spent her formative years. Peggy thrived at Bladensburg High School. She distinguished herself as an excellent student in high school and perhaps most importantly, met the love of her life, Rick Melton.

Graduating in June 1954, Peggy went on to Cornell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1958. Even then, her keen ambition and formidable force of will was notable -- one example being her insistence that Rick transfer to Cornell to join her (or so the story goes). With the support of her parents, Rick did just that, and the rest, as they say, was history. They married in 1958.

Peggy began her professional life as a high school teacher, leading a 12th grade course called "Problems in Democracy," a subject perfectly suited to her passions. When Rick joined the United States Foreign Service and the couple embarked on a life of diplomacy, Peggy's knowledge of political science made her an invaluable partner to his career. Their daughter Cathleen recalls falling asleep to the sound of Peggy and Rick debating the latest political events and their impact on world affairs.

The Foreign Service opened the world to Peggy and Rick in ways few people are fortunate to experience. From the cheer of samba parties in Recife, Brazil, to the grandeur of meeting the Queen at a diplomatic reception in London; from the pageantry of Ascot with her dear friend Doty, to the historic significance of participating in the first Earth Summit in Brasília — Peggy lived an extraordinary life.

Later in life, Peggy discovered a second calling in finance and accounting. She passed the CPA examination in 1989 and went on to work for the Internal Revenue Service for over a decade, there after doing private consulting work. Ever the entrepreneur among her friends, she helped transform their casual “MegaBucks” investment group into a genuine earning machine. Finance, it turned out, was her superpower.

Peggy and Rick were blessed with three children: Craig, Cathleen, and Pamela. Pamela was born in Nicaragua, where Rick was serving as a Foreign Service officer, a testament to the adventurous life the family embraced together. Peggy poured herself into her children's upbringing, emphasizing education, achievement, and above all, independence. In particular, she insisted her daughters become self-sufficient and pursue meaningful careers. These lessons continue to serve them well up to present.

In the mid 1990’s, Peggy and the family faced deep sorrow when Craig was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Peggy and the family cared for Craig with love and tenderness at his home in Bethesda, drawing together with a strength and grace that defined them. The loss of Craig at age 34 was devastating to Peggy.

Peggy was immensely proud of her children and her grandchildren, whose accomplishments she celebrated at every opportunity. Annual beach trips to the Outer Banks became an especially cherished family tradition, where generations gathered to make memories and take part in the nightly card games that Peggy always looked forward to.

Peggy was a woman of many interests. Wherever she and Rick were stationed, Peggy explored the local culture and traditions popular at the time. In Portugal she and her friends learned to make arraiolos carpets and collected hand-painted ceramics. In Brazil she enjoyed collecting gems and designing jewelry. In England she embraced tennis and became a great fan of the theater. She enjoyed gardening and growing orchids. She devoured mystery novels and exchanged books with circles of equally avid readers. She was an accomplished bridge player, attending her beloved bridge groups right up until six weeks before her death, a testament to her vitality and love of the game.

Peggy and Rick had two cherished cats, Fred and Samantha.

Peggy loved life and life, in return, was richer for her presence in it.

She is survived by her husband Richard Melton, her daughter Cathleen Melton (spouse Larry Greenblatt), her daughter Pamela Melton (spouse Jonathan Gross), and her grandchildren (Corinne Greenblatt, Ryan Greenblatt, Jessica Gross and Caroline Gross). She is preceded in death by her son Craig Melton and her grandson Benjamin Gross.

Visitation will be held at Demaine Funeral Homes. Inc., 520 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314, US, on March 4, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Demaine Funeral Homes. Inc., 520 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314, US, on March 5, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with live streaming available at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26034090358481.