Peggy Smith Fisher

Peggy was born on December 14, 1945 in Toledo, Ohio to Samuel F. Smith and Margaret L. Smith, née Carey. As her father’s career in government progressed, the family moved to Baltimore in 1950, to Cleveland in 1957, to Chicago in 1965, and back to Baltimore in 1967.

Peggy was always an outstanding student and writer, and she was the editor of her school newspaper at Magnificat High School in suburban Cleveland. She attended Marquette University in Milwaukee where she earned a B.A. in Political Science and History in 1966. Two of her closest friends from college, Midge and Judy, remained lifelong friends with whom she shared thoughts until the very end of her life. She had an intense interest in political matters, and was a strong supporter of the movement for civil rights in her college years and thereafter.

She married Paul J. Fisher in 1974. Their son Bryan was born in 1978. Peggy and Paul owned a boat and spent many wonderful days on the water, leading to Bryan’s love of sailing.

She began her career at the Social Security Administration in 1968 in Cleveland, and then soon moved to SSA headquarters in Maryland, where she worked in legislative and policy areas for over 30 years, including serving as the Associate Commissioner of Governmental Affairs and the Director of the Office of Research and Statistics. She made significant contributions in shaping legislation and policy concerning health care and retirement benefits. After retiring from government, she obtained a master’s degree in Pastoral Care and directed social service programs at a variety of retirement communities.

In 2000, she relocated to Jupiter, Florida and enjoyed receiving extended visits from many family members and friends at her home there, including from her mother whose time spent there with her she fondly remembered. While many great memories were made during her time there, the mild winters couldn’t overcome her wish to be close to family and friends and Peggy returned to Maryland in 2004, where she spent a few more years working at another retirement community before retiring from her social service career in 2007.

At every stage of her life, Peggy was a dedicated lifelong learner, and in recent years had become deeply involved with the Osher at JHU lifelong learning program, taking numerous courses and serving as a board member, with her particular interest in assisting the curriculum committee in developing new courses. Through her volunteer work with the organization, she gained many enriching experiences and close friendships.

Outside of her work and studies, she especially loved international travel, following current events, sailing, reading, playing word games, and spending time with her grandchildren.

She had a very sharp wit and a lifelong and deep-seated concern for people facing economic challenges or discrimination. Peggy cherished her friendships, developing them at each stage of her life, with most of these lasting the remainder of her life. She maintained these friendships despite being totally outspoken about her political beliefs to all who were within earshot. She always had an interest in certain sports, having enjoyed college basketball games while at Marquette. Late in life she developed a great devotion to the Baltimore Ravens, whose ups and downs she followed very closely as she watched every game, frequently calling her brother during games to ask questions about arcane rules, dubious officiating, or curious coaching decisions.

Peggy is survived by her son Bryan Fisher, granddaughters Mallory and Josette (Jojo) Fisher, sister Ellen Baese, brother Daniel Smith, sister-in-law Tricia Burns-Smith, and Daniel and Tricia’s children, Patrick, Meagan, and Caitlin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders or Maryland Public Television.

Visitation will be held at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045, US, on March 24, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045, US, on March 25, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm.