Margaret Carroll Thomson

Mrs. Thomson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1931. She was the daughter of the late Judge Paul S. and the late Margaret L. Carroll of Minneapolis and sister of the late Carla C. Nightingale, most recently of Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

After graduating in 1953 from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, Peggy returned to Minnesota to pursue her Masters Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota. In the late 1950s, Peggy married Marsh Thomson, a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service. Shortly thereafter, the couple lived for a number of years in Bangkok, Thailand. This experience inspired in Peggy a life-long curiosity and dedication to Asian culture. She was an active member of the Asia Society of Washington, DC for many years.

After returning to the DC area, Peggy and Marsh divorced, and she began a long career as an elementary school teacher in the Fairfax County, Virginia public schools. Peggy lived in Alexandria, Virginia for most of these years. She was a dedicated member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alexandria attending services regularly and actively participating in volunteer outreach projects.

Bird-watching was another passion in Peggy’s life. She was a life-long supporter of the Audubon Society and participated in many nature trips on the marshes and estuaries in Maryland, Virginia and beyond.

Bridge, puzzles, books, countless conversations about politics and her favorite causes and travel with her sister Carla or local friends also filled Peggy’s life during her years in Alexandria.

Peggy spent the last nine years of her life battling Alzheimer’s at various facilities, eventually settling at the Bertram House in Swampscott, Massachusetts under the care of her nephew Paul C. Nightingale and his wife, Kate. The family is grateful for the care she received both there and in her last months at Devereux House. Peggy is survived by her four nieces and nephews, Paul Nightingale, Sara Nightingale, William Nightingale, Jr., and Margot Nightingale.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Peggy’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Arrangements by Eustis and Cornell of Marblehead.