Margaret A. Blair

Margaret Anna Beard Blair, affectionately known as “Peggy”, “Mom”, “Grandma”, “Nan”, “Aunt Margaret” and “Dear” was born on November 23, 1917 to Earl Beard and Mildred Clara Foote Beard. She first greeted the world in Bloomer, Michigan. She was raised in Lansing, Michigan with two brothers named Leo and Leland. She attended and graduated from Lansing High School in 1934.

As a young woman, Peggy met and fell in love with her sweetheart, Thomas Dean Blair. Peggy and Dean happily exchanged wedding vows on September 2, 1950 in Seattle, Washington and were blessed with four children, Thomas Jan Blair, Dana Marian Blair, Kym Dean Blair and Gregg Douglas Blair. Peggy worked hard to be an outstanding mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs, raising her children in a positive and nurturing environment. Peggy was later blessed with the joy of nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Fortunately, Peggy enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, she worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career as an Administrative Assistant. Peggy worked at various locations throughout her career including the Federal Government in Washington D.C. and Austria from 1944-1948, Fisher Flour Mill in Seattle, WA from 1948-1951, General Dynamics Astronautics in San Diego, CA from 1959-1962 and Chula Vista City Schools in Chula Vista, CA from 1962-1982. Although Peggy didn’t work for accolades, she was always recognized for a job well done.

Peggy enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities. Peggy was a charter member of Park Hill United Methodist Church in Chula Vista, CA. where she devoted much time and loving energies as an active member by serving on boards and committees during these many years of attending.

She volunteered for Meals-on-Wheels from 1983 to 2011. Loving service in this organization began in Santee; moved to Grossmont, then relocated to Hillcrest in 1988 when Peggy moved into the neighborhood. In her own words ‘Many clients became personal friends’.

Over the course of her lifetime Peggy made more than 45 trips to various places around the world with family members, friends, and sometimes on her own. Peggy first caught the ‘travel bug’ in 1946 when she traveled abroad for the first time while working for the Federal Government. Her travels included 2 freighter voyages lasting several months each; one going around the Horn of Africa, up to Madagascar then back home to the US. Peggy went to Russia twice; most of the European nations; South Africa; South Korea several times; China, Thailand; Nepal; Jerusalem more than once; Turkey; Greece; Spain & Portugal; Italy, England, Scotland & Ireland several times; Australia & New Zealand; Fiji, thru the Panama Canal - the list goes on and on. Suffice to say she enjoyed seeing other countries and their peoples, never tiring of these experiences.

Peggy was an avid walker for most of her life, walking errands all throughout her local neighborhood as well as many many walks to and through Balboa Park, particularly the Zoo. For many years Peggy considered it good additional exercise to climb all, or part of the 14 flights of stairs to her apartment on the 14th floor. For many years she attended weekly Tai-Chi classes in Balboa Park - all with much energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment.

Peggy was very proud to have served as a member on the San Diego County Grand Jury for two years - 1991/1992. She took much interest in subjects the Grand Jury was assigned to review, investigate and reach decisions on. Peggy always encouraged people to volunteer to serve since she had personally found it so challenging and stimulating.

Peggy enjoyed keeping in frequent touch - both by corresponding and phone calls - with relatives in Michigan and other locations as well as numerous friends & other relatives throughout the United States and other places in the world. Her family was most important to her. She offered much encouragement, support and love when and where there were needs.

In her own words dated 12/27/02: “Charter member of Park Hill UMC. Was a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer for 20+ years. Many clients became personal friends. Tai-Chi classes were a strong interest as were walking my errands, my family, my Church, reading and traveling. Slept well, ate well, had enough money to meet my needs. A Happy Person!”.

Peggy had developed, maintained and reflected a deep and abiding spiritual faith as well as a good sense of humor, always accompanied by a sunny smile. Her attitude reflected good will, love and acceptance to all.

Peggy Blair left us on September 22, 2011. She passed away in San Diego, California after suffering a stroke. She was preceded in death by her brother Leland Beard of Lansing, MI, husband Thomas Dean Blair and son Thomas Jan Blair of Tucson, AZ. She is survived by her brother Leo and sister-in-law Glenna Beard of Mt. Pleasant, MI; sister-in-law Leona Beard of Lyons, MI; daughter-in-law Gwen Blair of Tucson, AZ; daughter Dana Blair of San Diego, CA; twin sons Kym Blair and daughter-in-law Kwang-Sun Blair of Tampa, FL and Gregg Blair & Lynn Smithey of Ft. Worth, TX as well as her nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; childhood friend Norma Estes of Carlsbad; and long-time friend David Chen of San Diego. Services were handled by Glen Abbey Mortuary. A funeral service was held at Park Hill United Methodist Church in Chula Vista on September 30, 2011. Peggy was laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.

Simply stated, Peggy was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Peggy leaves behind her a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life Margaret Anna Beard Blair touched will always remember her with a smile.

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In lieu of flowers, donations to the Margaret Blair Memorial Fund at Park Hill UMC would be greatly appreciated.