Margaret “Peggy” Louise Talabay (nee Smith) was born August 12, 1946 in Spokane, Washington to Daniel Christopher Smith and Cecilia Lorraine Smith (nee Kries). Peggy passed away October 25, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 73.
Peggy entered the Air Force shortly after high school and a couple years later got married to Richard Talabay in Boise, Idaho. They were stationed in Hawaii for several years where she found her love of warm weather, laying on the ocean beaches and sailing. They were then stationed in San Antonio where she remained through her years.
Peggy was honorably discharged from the Air Force as a Staff Sargent and decided to start a family. Later, some friends (Pud and Alma) introduced her into dog grooming where she went on to own and manage her own business for several years. She later managed a successful food chain franchisee up until she retired.
Peggy was an avid bowler and while in the military she and her husband bowled in many leagues together. Peggy loved being outdoors, gardening, camping, sailing, and painting. Peggy rescued a horse named Stanley, “Stan the Man”, where she learned about horsemanship for many years. Some of Peggy’s pastime was training and showing her labradors and poodles. Her last love was her adored, sweet, faithful companion, Meme (Mimi) Girl.
Peggy was preceded by both her parents, and her former spouse, Richard Talabay. Peggy is survived by her children: Michael (Serina) Talabay and Christina Hawkins (nee Talabay). One sister: Patricia Sellers (nee Smith); and four grandchildren: John Talabay, James Bernal, Cody Hawkins, and Ashley Hawkins. Peggy had one great-granddaughter, Meadow. Peggy was an aunt to DJ (Carianne) Sellers, Nathan Sellers, Sarah (Justin) Lanphear, and Angie (Anthony) Pleugh along with many great-nieces and nephews.
Peggy was close with her cousins: Lee Cass, Rose Marie “RM” Beplate (nee Cass), and Carol Daly (nee Seeman). She enjoyed her friendship with her best friend, Tracy Ewing, and her neighbor-families who included her as part of their own: Ashley & Alejandro (Hondo) Jaime, their daughter, and Garry & Angie Tudyk. Also, Judy and the late Jim Allbright and son, Sam Nunemaker.
A heart-felt thank you to all the staff at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System – Community Living Center, New Century Hospice, and Griswold Home Care for their compassionate care.
An interment service will be held November 18, 2019, 10:00am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Animal Defense League of San Antonio.
