Margaret A. Allison

Margaret Anne O’Neill Allison “Peggy” was born June 7, 1930, in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. She departed this life March 26, 2012, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Peggy is survived by husband Frank Sherman Allison; daughters Maureen and Laura (John “Jay” Hall); sons Brian (Kathy) and Marc (Shari); grandchildren Tessa Gay, Eric Gay, Megan Lemcke, Alicia Allison, Ben Allison; and sister Jeanne d’Arc Valenzano. She is preceded in death by her parents Margaret Mary O’Neill and Daniel Llyng O’Neill II and brother, Daniel O’Neill III.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, Peggy was active in high school sports and cheerleading. Following graduation, Peggy entered nursing school. She earned her RN and moved to New York City to work as an OR nurse and nursing instructor. While there, she was introduced to a handsome young man on New Year’s Eve 1954. Frank and Peggy were married June 4, 1955, and subsequently moved to Colorado to live and raise their four children. The family enjoyed the Colorado outdoors together and spent many summer vacations in Marble, fishing, hiking, and four-wheeling. After the children were grown, Peggy and Frank bought a condo near Stagecoach Reservoir and enjoyed many weekends in the mountains.

Peggy always willingly shared her time, talents, and compassion for others. She was actively involved as a Girl Scout leader, school homeroom mother and volunteered at St. Anthony Hospital for 37 years, serving two years as President of the St. Anthony Auxiliary. Her passion for sewing, knitting, and quilting produced more than 240 quilts for charitable missions such as The Linus Project, Children’s Hospital, and Project Warmth. Peggy’s quilts were created from her kindness for others and often given as gifts to friends and family. All of Peggy’s Grandchildren where given a quilt for their 10th birthday.

As an avid amateur photographer, Peggy’s affinity for the outdoors was evident in her favorite subjects: mountain scenery, flowers, birds, and hot air balloons. Peggy set a lofty personal goal to climb a Colorado fourteener. With family members alongside, Peggy climbed to the summit of Mount Sherman at age 68.

Peggy had tremendous spirit and strength of faith. A devout Catholic, she was a longtime member of Notre Dame Church, giving her time as a volunteer and her voice to the church choir for many years. Peggy always had kind words for everyone. She was truly loved by many and was a friend to all. Peggy will be missed here on earth, but she will remain forever in our hearts. We find comfort knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared her love.

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 30 at the Pavilion of Reflection, Crown Hill Cemetery, 7777 W. 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations to Denver Hospice, 501 S. Cherry Street, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80246 (www.thedenverhospice.org).