Peggy Herndon Harmon

Peggy Herndon Harmon, a beloved and cherished wife, mother, sister, and friend , passed away on Saturday, January 11th, at the age of 84, in the company of loved ones at her home in Fairfax, Virginia. Peggy was born in Warrenton, Virginia to Richard and Louise Murphy. She attended George Washington High School in Alexandria, Virginia for three years before moving "to the country" and graduating from Brentsville District High School in 1953. Following graduation, she worked for the Chesapeake and Potomac Phone Company until she and Mars married in 1963. There were numerous moves for their family with his military career. Peggy handled these moves, as well as two years of Mars serving in Vietnam while she raised two toddlers at home, with grace and strength. A loving wife and mother who was proud of her Irish heritage and her beloved home state of Virginia, Peggy selflessly and tirelessly devoted her life to providing a home filled with warmth and love for her husband and three boys. While her children were growing up, she served many roles in their schools including cafeteria hostess, library aide, room mother, and band mom. She was also the neighborhood mom - her freshly baked cookies, Kool Aid and warm conversations making her home the neighborhood gathering place. After raising her children, Peggy continued to enjoy gardening, spending time with her husband, and going out to local establishments to dance and listen to their favorite musicians, where they built new friendships. She became a confidante and counselor to many of the people she met. Peggy also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and conversing about current events and the local sports teams. She was a fantastic cook who enjoyed preparing meals for her family, particularly during the holiday season. Peggy is survived by her husband Marsden, sons Mark and his wife Margaret, Alan and his wife Suzanne, and Sean; grandchildren Nicole, Matthew, Nathan, David, Daniel, Devyn, and Briana; and siblings Kitty Hartman (husband Jimmy deceased), Doug Murphy and his wife Joyce, Patsy Severson and her husband Sonny, and Jerry Murphy. The family gives heartfelt thanks to family and friends for their support and love during a difficult start to the new year. Visitation will be on Monday, January 20, from 9:00-11:00 AM at Demaine Funeral Home in Fairfax, Burial will follow in Fairfax City Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society. "Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed, and very dear."