Margaret Esther Leggett

Margaret “Peggy” Leggett loved life, and she shared her naturally upbeat attitude with everyone she met. Margaret’s strong spirit and can-do attitude was an inspiration to many, particularly her grandniece and nephew. She was born on July 28, 1922 in Milton, Massachusetts but grew up in nearby Assinippi. She entered the Navy Nurse Reserve Corps on Nov. 15, 1944 after two of her brothers were killed in World War II. She retired in 1968 as a Lt. Commander and was very proud of her service to her country. She worked as a nurse for decades afterward and supported many charities, including missionary work overseas. Margaret had many pets throughout her life and loved animals very much. She had begun to document her family tree and was a gifted storyteller, sharing stories about her upbringing, which included a ride home from future president John F. Kennedy. Margaret was a member of First Presbyterian Church in San Diego, a member of the military officers of World Wars, Military Nurse Assoc. of Southern California, AARP, MOAA, a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Church of Women United. Survivors include her niece Doreen Escher, nephew William Leggett, sister-in-law Barbara Leggett, her grandnephew Caleb and grandniece Autumn, and many, many friends. She is predeceased by her brothers William, Richard, and Robert and half brothers Ralph and Bill MacDougal. Services will be held Friday, June 28 at 3 p.m. at El Camino Memorial’s Sorrento Valley Chapel.