Peggy Zula Maida

Married to William Henry Maida in May 1984, Peggy will be laid to rest beside him at Arlington Cemetery.

She was born Peggy Zula Combs on February 4, 1944, in Stem, North Carolina, to Thelma Mae Blakney and Carl Combs. She was the last of her five siblings to pass away.

She leaves behind three children: Christina Bossert, Christopher Payne, and George Donald Payne; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Peggy graduated from high school in North Carolina in 1966. Afterward, she moved to Washington, D.C., joining her mother in search of better work and better pay.

Soon after moving to Washington, D.C., Peggy found entry-level work as a budget analyst for the Department of the Army. She was eventually promoted to head budget analyst, where she worked for 24 years until her retirement.

In accordance with Peggy’s wishes, the family has chosen a small private celebration of life instead of a formal service.

Peggy will be forever held in the hearts of those who knew her and remembered as a generous, welcoming presence who made others feel comfortable being themselves. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is at peace, surrounded by the souls she loved.

As Peggy would have wished, may this be an occasion to be grateful for one another, to be present with loved ones, and to let each passing remind us of the importance of coming together.

The family thanks you for your condolences and prayers.