Margaret Drake Graham

Margaret “Peggy” Drake Graham, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, after a brief struggle with cancer. Born in Austin, Texas on April 24, 1946, Peggy was the daughter of William S. Drake Jr. and Eleanor Critchlow.

Peggy attended Austin High School, where she served as Spirit Chairman and excelled in gymnastics, swimming, and equestrian competition. As a young girl, she spend summers at Camp Mystic and volunteered with the Austin Junior League, where she made cherished memories and friends that stayed with her throughout her life. Following graduation, she became a flight attendant with Braniff Airlines, eventually transporting troops to and from Vietnam.

Her love for adventure carried her across all seven continents. She treasured delivering clothing to indigenous tribes in Peru and school supplies to children in Tanzania. She also visited Mount Kilimanjaro with her granddaughters, a priceless experience that they held dear.

A woman of deep faith and service, Peggy was an active member of Holy Spirit Episcopal Church and a member of The Order of the Daughters of the King. She gave selflessly to her community, serving as a dedicated volunteer for Meals on Wheels for 30 years. Her devotion to Meals on Wheels went beyond transporting meals. Peggy showed remarkable compassion for those in need by taking seniors to doctors’ appointments. She was also deeply committed to the Westbank Community Library, which her mother co founded. Peggy helped bring it to life through years of vision, work, and volunteer support.

Peggy cherished her circle of lifelong friends, an extraordinary group of women she grew up with and remained close to. Peggy was the shepherd who kept this Austin High School friend group whole. As time marched on, they traveled together often, weaving new memories into a lifetime of shared laughter, love, and loyalty. Their most memorable trip was to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico!

One of Peggy’s greatest joys was supporting her family, and extended family, at Westlake High School. She was proudly known as Westlake’s #1 Fan. She not only attended her grandchildren’s sporting events, but nearly every Westlake High School sporting event she could, no matter the season. Her fondest moments were spent in the stands, cheering on her grandchildren in football, baseball, and cheer, while also supporting countless other students with the same enthusiasm.

Her proudest role, however, was as a mother. She poured herself into raising her two boys, Mark and John. She enthusiastically served as room mom, volunteered at their schools, was team mom for their sports, and she never missed a game. She was especially proud that both excelled in baseball and went on to play at the college level.

Peggy later married Bill Hoermann, who loves Mark and John as his own. Together they built a home filled with love, and Bill remained her devoted partner in life. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Jody Drake McRee and Cary Drake Miller; her brother, William S. Drake III and sister-in-law, Kay Bland Drake Oliver; and her grandchildren, Ashley Dedear and Davis Graham.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bill Hoermann; her son, Mark Graham Jr., his wife Michelle and their children Tripp, Ella, and Evie; her son John Stevens Graham and partner Jenna Brockman; her stepdaughter, Cindy Dedear and son-in-law Tim, and their daughters Laura and Katherine. She is also survived by her sister, Elisabeth Drake- Maples, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Peggy grew up surrounded by cousins, raising their children together, and remained deeply connected with them. As the proud matriarch of this large family, she nurtured those bonds across generations.

Peggy’s legacy of service, friendship, and love will continue to be an inspiration. Her early morning birthday wishes and the daily devotionals she faithfully sent to those she loved will be deeply missed.

Micah 6:8: "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Peggy’s name to Meals on Wheels of Central Texas, 3227 East 5th Street, Austin, TX 78702.