Margaret Holland Smith

Peggy leaves behind her three children Joseph Smith (Lynn), Audra Smith and Shiloh McClaning (Christopher) and grandchildren Kristal, Kellie, Jordan (Nate), Shea, Abbey and Cameron (Haley). She also leaves behind her sister, Patti Steinauer (Marty), nieces, nephews and many great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and best friend of 61 years, John, who passed on November 10, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents Margaret and Joseph, stepfather Charles and siblings Joseph, Kathy, Lorraine and Susan.

Born in Yonkers, New York, Peggy was one of six children. She experienced heartbreaking loss at an early age when both her father and brother died. During this time, she remembered the kindness that friends and strangers extended to her family. This became a formative memory in her life. How her Uncle Rocco (who wasn’t her uncle) brought Christmas gifts and food to her family. Throughout her life she strived to be a compassionate helper, living her life with joy, gratitude and humor.

In 1965, she married John in Yonkers, NY. She felt like God had given her a wonderful gift when she married John. As a young mom, she worked as a hairdresser. They raised their three children in NY until the winter was too cold and they migrated to Richmond, VA. She worked in the office of the family business for decades and her hairdressing skills came in handy for a quick trim in the kitchen.

Peggy was a loving and supportive mom with a zest for life. She volunteered at school, helped at sports events and kept a close eye on the kids. She was a great listener, excited for whatever her children were interested in. She created a beautiful space wherever she was. This included the “Love Garden” in the backyard which the kids were required to help build. Every Thanksgiving, Peggy made her famous Yule Log, which she spent hours on. Tediously carving knobby bark into homemade icing and decorating with greenery and candy. She was smart, kind and had a sharp sense of humor. Excellent at being silly, she delivered one-liners at rapid speed. She had a Don’t BS Me attitude.

Peggy was a wildly talented artist and worked with many different mediums. Botanical watercolors were her favorite. She enjoyed her time with Lee Artist’s group in the 1980s and 1990s and her Lewis Ginter Artist friends in the 2000s. She enjoyed crocheting, making blankets and hats for all babies in the family and beyond. Finding inspiration in flowers, nature and animals. She created whimsical treasures such as a beautiful and somehow sturdy birdbath made from stone, glass and ceramic. One Christmas, she hand-painted every last one of her cards for family and friends. All unique. Just like her.

Spending time with her sisters was always big fun, even though they lived far apart. They went on trips filled with laughter and line-up pics were required. Get that hand on your hip! Spending time with her grandkids filled her heart with immense joy, she loved watching them grow. She loved going on family trips to Emerald Isle, working on crafts with the grandkids.

An avid reader, she enjoyed time spent at the library and working on word puzzles. She loved music from the 60s and dancing. She had a fantastic sense of humor, fast to tell people how she truly felt about anything. She loved her kitties, Onyx, Teetee and Gracie. Delighted in whatever funny business they were getting into.

Peggy’s faith in God brought her great comfort. She found solace and peace through her love for God. She was an active member of St John’s Catholic Church for decades. She volunteered in the kitchen, at church yard sales, was a member of the Choir and Women’s Council. She developed rich, meaningful lifelong friendships. Their Saturday night dinners after Mass were full of fellowship and humor.

Peggy was a passionate, beautiful person who loved God, her family and friends. She will be dearly missed. We take comfort in knowing that Mom and Dad are reunited again. We would like to say thank you to the staff at Autumn Care and At Home Hospice. We will never forget how much you helped our family.

A Funeral Mass will be held on February 7, 2026 at 12 pm at St John’s Catholic Church in Richmond, Virginia with reception to follow.