Peggy was an amazing co worker to work with and will be highly missed. Loved her personality, caring nature and just a very very nice human being in general. May god give you strength during this tough times.

Peggy was absolutely wonderful to work with. She was kind, calm, smart, chock full of common sense. She and I worked together on streamlining the workflow for our teams and, while that might sound pretty dry, it was some of best fun I had at my job—because of Peggy. What a beautiful soul. I’m sure many people carry warm memories of her like I do.

Every day, I tell myself, I will write a memory on Peggy’s board today. But as soon as I start thinking about that, I start crying and can’t write my words. I’m  not crying for Peggy…. I know she is in heaven with her beloved father and mother, but for myself that I will not have more time with her. Peggy was so calm, handling whatever was coming her way.  That always impressed me the most because,  it certainly not my nature, but it was hers.She always gave everyone, the benefit of the doubt,  always saw the best in people even when they were rude or hurtful to her.  She was generous and kind beyond words. She LOVED  her girls and her grandchildren more than anything in the world. I am so grateful that she was able to meet Oliver. She loved going to Disney and taking the kids and watching the joy on their faces when they were down in Florida with her. She was a mother first,  a nurse second and a leader third. She certainly left her “mark on the world”  and on me.  Peggy loved fresh  flowers and  every Friday she would bring a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers into the office. I first met Peggy at Healthways, then we work together at Blue Cross for many years. Even after my retiring, Peggy and I always stayed in touch and followed one another’s lives  and the lives of our children and grandchildren. Once a month we’d meet over at BJ’s and spend a couple of hours together just catching up. I will miss her terribly, but I thank God for having her in my life for all those years. I love you, my friend and I already look forward to seeing you again when I get to Heaven. Thank you God for giving us Peggy. She will never be forgotten.

I feel so lost right now... Peggy and I met so long ago in Victoria Texas and became immediate friends. We were a group of young couples hanging out at Padre Island for the day, or meeting for dinner out at our favorite restaurant and maybe a volleyball  game with some of the girls. I remember visiting her in Oklahoma when she moved away, because I missed my friend so very much! I remember being ecstatic when we were once again in the same town in Delaware. This time we each had 2 little ones and enjoyed the trips to Dutch Wonderland or just playtime together. Then after a move for both of us we kept in contact and even enjoyed a visit and had fun at a wine and chunky blanket making night, as well as our favorite places to eat and shop. We always picked up where we left off.... Kept in step and loved our friendship... We had plans and wanted more memories to be made! I miss you so much already Peggy... My heart is so hurting... But you will always be my precious friend.... The Lord bless and keep you always.. Love you girls...xo

So sorry to hear of this news. I got to know Peggy during the years our daughters were in colorguard at Green Hope HS.  We also enjoyed a common nursing career.  It was so nice to run into her little while back and of course our conversation turned to kids and grandkids. She was such a loving Mom and  Grandmother and has left a foundation of love and strength for her girls as they navigate the days ahead. Praying for peace  for the family.

Hi,
​We live a street down from Peggy's. She had a great smile and welcomed us as a part of the community.
​A beautiful life fully lived in the service of others, family, and friends is a wonderful life indeed. We will miss you, and our sincere condolences go out to the family.
​Bala and Family

Dear Peggy's Family,

As Peggy's next-door neighbors, we were deeply saddened to hear the news. It's unfortunate that we're not in town to pay our last respects, but we want to share our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences with all of you.

We have known Peggy for over two years as our next-door neighbor. She was always so welcoming — a friendly wave from her porch or driveway, warm chats about gardening, and she'd check in on us with genuine care, always reaching out if anything seemed different. She was especially lovely to our kids, giving them special chocolates and gifts every Halloween. We still fondly remember hosting Peggy and Kristen at our home; it was such a lovely time together. Her beautiful smile and caring spirit will be deeply missed by our family. Her absence leaves a quiet space in our neighborhood, but her memory remains a comfort to us all.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with your family during this difficult time.

We will miss you, Peggy.

With love,
Sathish, Renuga, Vishal and Vishanth

To Peggy's Family:  You have my deepest Sympathy and Prayers upon learning of Peggy's passing.  Peggy was a very special person whose bright light will be very much missed.  She had a rare and beautiful soul filled with genuine love and compassion for people.  I, too, worked with Peggy at NCBCBS but she was also a friend. I have no doubt that Peggy is now home with the Lord and has earned her reward for the heavenly mission she did so very well here on earth. "Well Done, Peggy!"

I knew Peggy from working at Healthways. I was so excited when I realized she would also be working at BCNC. Peggy was always also so calm and kind and knew how to laugh.  She was a great friend and coworker. My heart hurts and she will be missed. Love to her family and many friends.

I am saddened to hear the news about my sweet cousin, Peggy.  I have so many wonderful childhood memories of our visits to see Grandma & Grandpa Coates in New Castle, PA.  Peggy & I being the same age we ALWAYS played together.  We made many walks down the street from our grandparents home to buy a snow cone.  I remember many an hour out playing on Grandma & Grandpa’s front porch! We always looked forward to going to Riley’s Fun Spot together to swing on the swings, jump on the trampolines & enjoy an ice cream cone together.  The many visits through the years to her home in Edinburg, PA  for family visits were so very special.  So much fun, laughs & great times together.  I’ll always cherish these sweet memories of our childhood and Peggy’s gentle, loving spirit.

Another memory as an adult that I shall never forget was when my dad (her Uncle Fred) was very ill.  Peggy made arrangements for herself, her Mom (my Aunt Norene) & our Aunt Vivian to come visit him in Virginia.  She made all the arrangements & drove the three of them to pay him a visit.  This visit from my Dad’s sister’s & niece was very touching to my dad & a memory that we were all so thankful for.

To Jessica, Kristen, Thelma & Marilyn please know that my heart aches for you & your families. Please accept my deepest sympathies during this unimaginable time. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you. 

To Peggy, Rest peacefully, dear cousin — you will always be remembered with love.

Peggy, rest in peace and know you are loved and will be missed. You were our rock, supporting us when needed, no matter the pressure. You also never missed an opportunity to celebrate and have fun when the time rang out. As our leader at BCNC you would bring the games, smiles, and laughter to our day. Yes, if there was an opportunity to celebrate, Peggy would make it happen. Everyone was equally important to her. 

I met Peggy while working on the pilot team at BCNC. During the first few months, I grew to know her overwhelming compassion, excellent nursing skills, great patience, and quick mind. One of her most offered statements of support for all of us, as a new team member, new team lead and for personal times was “it’s okay, it will get better” or “It will be over soon”. I always knew she had our backs and would be there if we needed her. She was one of the greatest leaders I have worked with during my career. She always kept the door open to build her colleagues spirits, she cared about their needs, all while mentoring them to become special friends. 

Rest in peace my friend. I’m grateful for having had the opportunity to experience your verve for life and spend some of your precious time together.

My sincere condolences to Peggy’s family. Especially her daughters and grandchildren who were her whole world. It is a profound loss. Peggy was the kindest person I’ve ever known. She gave her all to her BCBSNC family and was beloved by everyone. We would often share our retirement dreams and all she wanted was to spend more time with her grandchildren. 
We will miss you. 
Rest now and peace be with you.

I worked with Peggy at BCBSNC on projects a few years ago. I was always impressed with her poise in complex meetings and her brain--such a sharp thinker and I learned a lot from her. 

So very sad to learn Peggy has passed and I will always hold fond memories of her! Condolences and hugs to the family. 
With love-
Anna Rosati

My heartfelt condolences to Peggy’s daughters, grandchildren, family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by her. I had the privilege of working with Peggy at Blue Cross NC, and I am so grateful for the impact she had on both my professional and personal life. Peggy was a mentor to me when I took over a hybrid Case Management and Disease Management team. During that transition, she was always willing to share her knowledge, offer guidance, and provide encouragement.

Peggy was warm, kind, and deeply compassionate. She had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, valued, and supported. She always kept her team at the forefront of her mind, constantly thinking about how she could best help them succeed and feel cared for. Her leadership came from a place of genuine love for people, and it showed in every interaction.

Like so many others have shared, it was clear that her daughters and grandchildren were the center of her world. She spoke of them with such pride and joy, and her love for her family was evident to everyone who knew her.

I will always cherish the wisdom, kindness, and support Peggy shared so freely. Her legacy of compassion and servant leadership will continue to live on through the many people she helped, mentored, and encouraged. She will be greatly missed, but I feel truly honored to have known her.

Peggy you are remembered with such admiration and grace. I worked with Peggy at Healthways and she was such a bright light to see each day. Peggy was a phenomenal nurse and person. She loved her family and talked about them often. God has an angel with Him and my thoughts and prayers go to her loving family. Rest well faithful servant of God.
Danielle Kistler

The passing of Peggy is so hard to hear. As so many have stated Peggy was indeed the most caring person. She was a fantastic nurse. A caring friend with an always listening ear. A loving mom and dotting grandma. She couldn’t wait to send me pictures of her grandson as a baby when he started eating bananas. Her beloved dog she fed chicken nuggets and then gave my daughter the toys from the happy meals. It was a pleasure working with Peggy at BCNC and an even more pleasure knowing her as a friend. She cared so much about the wellbeing of others. I hope she knew just how much she was cherished and loved by so many. I pray for peace and acceptance over Peggy’s family during this difficult time. Take comfort in knowing to be absent from the body is to be in the presence of the Lord.

Peggy, I interviewed with you almost 4 years ago and little did I know the absolute amazing woman you were and the impact you would have on my life, not only with work but personally too! You were always compassionate, caring, kind, and always there for your team! You not only put the members first but your team as well!  It absolutely warmed my heart each evening before you signed out that you checked with each of us to make certain we were “ok” before leaving for the night! I’m not certain I ever told you but it meant so much to me and we all felt not only your love but valved as well! You have left a legacy that will be extremely hard for anyone else to match! We were very blessed to be “your staff and friends “! You will live forever in our hearts and it has been a very difficult few days without you! We will love and miss you forever!! Rest In Peace dear friend 💗💗💗

I worked with Peggy for several years first at Healthways and then BCBSNC.  She was my manager and she truly wanted what was best for everybody.  She never said anything bad about anybody.  I loved her laugh.  She talked about her grandchildren and her daughters.  Prayers for you Kristen and Jessica,  Marie Williams

I had the privilege of working with Peggy at Healthways, where her desk was right beside mine. She truly had the biggest heart. ❤️ Every conversation she had with a client came from a place of genuine care and compassion—that was simply who Peggy was.

Her daughters were her whole world, and you could always see how deeply she loved them. But Peggy had so much love to give that it extended beyond her own family. She cared not only for us, her coworkers, but embraced our families with that same warmth and kindness as well.

This photo was taken on St. Patrick’s Day in 2012, during one of our get-togethers outside of work. Looking back at it now brings back so many memories of the laughter, friendship, and good times we shared. 💕 I’m grateful that I had the chance to know Peggy, to work beside her, and to have these memories to hold onto.

Rest peacefully, Peggy. You had such a beautiful heart, and you will be deeply missed. ❤️

I'm so, so sorry to hear of Peggy's passing. This has taken us all by complete surprise. I had worked with her for 6 years at BCNC. She possessed a unique blend of friendship and manager, making her the most approachable leader I ever had. Even though we worked from home lately, her "open door" policy really meant her heart was always open too. Through our conversations, we shared many personal stories of raising kids. It was obvious her universe revolved around her girls and those beautiful grandbabies. My prayer is for peace for everyone who loves her. Her love and concern for others is her legacy.

I’m so sorry to hear this news. Peggy was a wonderful neighbor, friend, and fellow Bunko player. Sending love to the girls and their families ♥️

I met Peggy in 2013 when we were both health coaches in the FEP division. I had not previously  been a health coach and Peggy really helped me understand the role. 
Peggy had to leave BCNC to care for her mother in Ohio. When she returned to NC , I was in a different division, part of a pilot program and promised Peggy I would let her know if we had an opening on the team. As soon as I heard our program was being made permanent and there was an opening, I called her and insisted  she apply. She was hired and several months later promoted to team lead. Peggy was the best manager ! Her even temper and level head were a perfect match for for the role. Our team continued to expand and Peggy carried her work load with grace. She was always available to listen, if I had a bad day or be a sounding board to help me work through a tough case. 
She encouraged me to study for and take the national exam to be a certified diabetes  educator. Peggy was the first person I told after passing the exam. She insisted the team had to celebrate and we all went out to dinner. 
She made sure I was able to attend the yearly  national conference for diabetes educators. She was my biggest cheerleader. 
Peggy was truly the kindest and most compassionate person I have ever known. 
After I retired, almost 1 yr ago, I encouraged her to come visit me in Myrtle Beach. We both loved the sand and salt water.
Unfortunately she was not able to come for a visit. 
The world was a kinder and brighter place with Peggy in it. I will miss her.
Cary Holy RN, CDCES

I have known Peggy for over 15 years, since we were at Healthways. After which I moved to Blue Cross as a team lead. Later I hired her on my team as I knew how dedicated she was to her work and her family. Due to family reasons she had to leave Blue Cross only to return few years later as a team lead. We worked in different departments however our paths crossed from time to time. In the last 2 years I moved to Peggy's team and she was now my team lead. The best leader I have ever worked with. It was a symbiotic relationship and we highly respected each other. She was the most compassionate person with patience and consistency. She worked hard till her last breath. Peggy cannot be replaced as she was truly one of a kind. We will greatly miss you and we love you dearly. Pray that the almighty God give your family the strength to endure these most challenging times. May your soul rest in peace and may the perpetual Light shine upon you 🙏

So sad to hear of Peggy’s passing. Played Bunco with her many years ago and it was always a fun time. 
My prayers go out to her family through this difficult time.
Rest in Peace 🙏🏽

So sorry to hear this… I played bunco with Peg many years ago and would see her in the neighborhood once in awhile…. Prayers to her daughters and the entire family.  🙏🙏🙏🙏

My condolences to Peggy’s family and loved ones. What a tremendous loss for those of us fortunate to have known her. 
I worked with Peggy at Blue Cross NC for several years and remember her as the kindest and most caring person who was always so generous with her time. She continually showed her care and appreciation for others on her team. My prayers are with her family and friends.

My condolences to Peggy's family and those she loved. I worked with Peggy at BCNC for many years. She had the biggest & kindest heart and always had a way of making others feel seen, cared for and provided them a safe space when needed. 

My heart hurts for her daughters and grand babies! She loved them so much and we all knew her family was her everything. I will miss her warmth and kindness but will cherish the time I was honored to know her.

My sincere condolences over the loss of such a dear soul.  Peggy was my supervisor at Blue Cross NC.  She was such a caring, loving, kind person who, you could tell, truly cared about you.  Peggy never had a negative word, always listened, and her  fine character was obvious.  She was the best supervisor I ever had in my entire career of 38 years.  She was a beautiful person and so easy to like. She made you feel at ease.   She loved God based on my conversations with her.  She valued her family and talked often about her children and grandchildren, whom she adored.   Peggy could make you laugh as well, which is a talent and a blessing to others.  I remember a story she told me about getting locked out of her house in her pajamas while walking the dog.   She will be sorely missed here at Blue Cross, and is a big part of the reason I wanted to continue to work, even though I could retire.   She was a role model for how to lead people and she was beloved.  May you rest in peace in the arms of our Lord and Savior.  Prayers for all of her family and friends.

My heart is broken over the loss of Peggy. She was so very loved by all her knew her. We worked together at Blue Cross NC for many years. Peggy always had a smile on her face and a kind ear to anyone who needed her. She was an extraordinary nurse and leader. She quietly did her job  so well but was so humble when given fhe accolades she deserved. 
We all knew how much Peggy loved her family. Her “girls” were the world to her, and when the grandchildren came she was over the moon. 
I also remember her love of Disney which she shared with her daughter and many trips to enjoy the magic together. 
When I think of Peggy I will always  remember her giant heart, and her way of making other people feel good about themselves, safe and loved.  
As we say in the Greek church “ May her memory be eternal” 
Lisa Bultman

Peggy and I worked together at Blue Cross NC for many years. She was filled with such heart, soul, and love for all of us, remaining a steady, quiet presence even during her own challenges. She was truly a lifeline to her family, friends, and team.

I have wonderful memories of Peggy. She gave me the nail polish I wore on my wedding day—a small gesture that meant so much to me. The attached picture is from the day we met up by surprise at a conference in Raleigh. What a fun time.

I will miss her dearly, as will all who she loved and held close, most especially her daughters and grandchildren.
With Love and Prayers,
Grace Denton

I worked closely with Peggy at Blue Cross NC for many years. She was such a great person and amazing friend. My sincere condolences to all of the family she cherished so dearly , as well as her work family and team at Blue Cross and friends.
Peace and blessings,
Lynn Frost

I am very sad to hear about Peggy.  We were classmates in nursing school and very good friends, and what fun we had. We were roommates for our semester at Akron Children’s Hospital.   Friends like Peggy take a place in your heart that will always remain. I will cherish my memories of Peggy.  
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”   Helen Keller

June Anstrom Stewart SGH class of 1979

OBITUARY

Margaret Elizabeth Szewczyk

January 31, 1959 – July 17, 2026

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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