Peggy Daigle Sternitzke

Peggy Jewel Daigle was born on April 2, 1928 in Houma, Louisiana to Marguerite and Jules Daigle. She graduated from Terrebonne High School, LSU and Charity Hospital School of Nursing. Peggy practiced as an RN in New Orleans until she met and married Hebert S. Sternitzke, a U.S. Forest Service economist from New York in 1954. They resided in New Orleans where they raised their three children, Margaret, Mark and Martha.

Peggy, a life long member of the Episcopal Church, loved gardening, sharing a cup of coffee with friends and college football, especially her beloved LSU Tigers. She was outgoing, made friends easily and never lacked for conversation. After volunteering for many years at her children’s schools, Peggy returned to nursing as a part-time Public Health Nurse for the City of New Orleans. She continued in that position for several years until she finally decided that she was spending more time filling out paperwork than seeing patients. Peggy remained active by participating in the People’s Program which offered classes for retired persons. Over the years she took a variety of classes, including German, French, painting and piano. After Herb’s death in 1998, Peggy remained in New Orleans until she lost her home to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. She then moved to Katy, Texas to live near her elder daughter. She often said that she never expected to become a Texan at the age of 77. Peggy joined the Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles, where her Bible study group provided fellowship and laughter, helping her cope with the loss of her home, church and friends in New Orleans.

In 2013, after two falls, Peggy entered assisted living due to mobility issues. At the age of 90, another fall which required extensive arm surgery, accelerated her mental decline. Peggy spent her last years in the memory care facilities of Autumn Grove and then Sunrise Senior Living.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Barry Daigle, and her husband. She is survived by her daughter Margaret Sternitzke Hamburg, son-in-law Stephen Hamburg, grandson Matthew Hamburg and granddaughter Elizabeth Hamburg, her son Mark S. Sternitzke and daughter-in-law Sandra, granddaughter Dr. Katherine Sternitzke and grandson Phillip Sternitzke (wife Amy); and her daughter Martha L. Sternitzke.

A private family service will take place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in New Orleans. Those wishing to make a memorial gift are asked to consider either of two foundations for children and teens that Peggy supported for decades: St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, 200 Wilson Circle, Boulder City, NV 89005 or French Camp Academy, 1 Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745.