Louise MacDonald Peabody

Louise M. Peabody, 67, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away on June 27, 2019. Born in Princeton, New Jersey, and raised in the nearby town of Rocky Hill, Louise was one of nine children of David and Dorothy (Warren) MacDonald. Louise graduated from Princeton High School in 1969 where she was on the cheerleading squad and gymnastics team. She went on to attend and graduate from The George Washington University in 1973 with a B.S. in Psychology. She returned to school while working and raising her children, graduating from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia with a second B.S. in Business in 1993. She obtained her CPA certificate in 1996. Louise married her high school sweetheart, Marsden (Maurie) Peabody in 1975 and they began their life together in Virginia. They moved to Fredericksburg in 1987, where they resided for nearly 30 years and raised their three children, Justin, Alex, and Bridget. Louise and Maurie had recently moved back to Arlington, Virginia to be close to their children and grandchildren. Louise was very committed to her career as a professional. She started a second phase of her career in 1995 as a CPA at the accounting firm Watkins Meegan (now CohnReznick) located in Tysons Corner. Louise went on to become the first woman partner at the firm in 2000 and spent a successful 20 plus years in their service. Louise was also committed to the community through her work with Women in Technology. In her recent retirement, she devoted her time to the STEM for Her program, where she served on the Board of Directors, and actively mentored young women in middle school through college to develop skills in and a love for technology and education. For relaxation Louise was likely to exercise in some way: walking, running, bike riding, or going to the gym. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed traveling, working in her garden, conquering the latest NY Times crossword puzzle, and directing endless interior design projects. She appreciated the small pleasures in life, always ready to enjoy a good meal and conversation, and the beauty of her surroundings. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and took particular delight in her granddaughters. Louise was a dynamic woman who put all of her abundant energy into her family and her work. As a girl she was always at the head of her group of siblings. They looked to her for leadership because she was quick-witted, creative, and sensible. She was the pillar of her family, her quiet presence and big heart the center around which they all revolved. Her husband and children looked to her for her steady guidance and tireless devotion. They counted on her wisdom, trusting in her to lead the way. She and her husband began dating in high school and they were each other’s best friend. During their 43 years of marriage, they navigated life’s ups and downs together in a true partnership. Louise was a positive force in the life of everyone who knew her. Louise was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Sandy Traegler. Louise is survived by her husband Maurie Peabody. In addition, she is survived by her sons, Justin Peabody (Katie) of Arlington, Virginia; Alex (Kristen) Peabody of Fairfax,Virginia; and her daughter Bridget Peabody Hilliard (Scott) of Fairfax, Virginia; and two granddaughters, Hayden and Grace Peabody. Louise is also survived by her sisters Beth Kelly (Barry) of Burnsville, North Carolina; Diane Hansen (Jan) of Copenhagen, Denmark; her twin sister, Lori Bilello of Pompano Beach, Florida; Julie Staats (Chuck) of Belle Mead, New Jersey; Barbara Carden (Don) of Belchertown, Massachusetts; brothers David MacDonald (Martha) of Troy, Pennsylvania; and Bill MacDonald (Carol) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and brother-in-law Richard Traegler of Greenacres, Florida; along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Visitation will be at Demaine Funeral Home, 10565 Main St., Fairfax on Saturday, July 6 at 4 to 7 pm. The memorial service will be at Demaine Funeral Home on Sunday, July 7 at 11:30 am. Donations in Louise’s name can be made to STEM for Her through their website - http://www.stemforher.org/take-action/donate/donate-online/.