Marguerite “Peggy” Degen, age 90, died on Thursday, January 21, 2016, at her daughter’s home in Penn Valley, CA. She was a longtime resident of Spring Hill (Timber Pines) FL. Peggy was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 1, 1925, to the late Charles and May Sidonia (Gilday) Duffy, both of Brooklyn, NY. She attended a catholic elementary school and graduated from Girls Commercial High School in Brooklyn, NY. After high school Peggy worked as a secretary in the Empire State Building for Schenley Distributors. It was there that she met her future husband Walter Degen. They were married on April 2, 1949 and honeymooned in Williamsburg, VA. Peggy had five children; Karen in 1950, Dennis in 1952, Kathleen in 1953, Kenneth in 1958, and Richard in 1967. As the wife of a federal government official and NATO diplomat Peggy had the opportunity to live in Wiesbaden Germany, Kentford England, Paris France, and Fairfax Virginia. In her lifetime she also took a variety of cruises, and traveled to Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Aruba, Kenya, and Italy. Peggy was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Fairfax, VA and the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Spring Hill, FL. While overseas, Peggy and Walter were members of the Civilian Club and the Officers Club, and in Spring Hill Peggy enjoyed the Bocce Club for many years. When asked about the most important events in her life she responded the birth of five children and international travel. She loved music and dancing, and in her younger years broke her ribs twice dancing the night away. She was also an avid collector of miniature elephants and Hummel’s. She and Walter enjoyed a very active lifestyle even after Walter retired, and they moved to Spring Hill, in the late 1980’s. Her cat Lucinda was her constant companion and loyal friend in her later years. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; and by her beloved husband of 50 years, Walter Degen, on Feb. 21, 1999. Peggy is survived by her five children; Karen Degen of Palm Harbor, FL. Dennis Degen of the Republic Of Panama. Kathleen Smith of Penn Valley, CA. Kenneth Degen of Lebanon, NJ. and Richard Degen of Sylvania, OH. She is also lovingly survived by her seven grandchildren; Erik Strandberg of Austin, TX. Kimberly Smith of Boise, ID. Kristina Glicksberg of San Rafael, CA. Tyler Degen of Sylvania, OH. Allie Degen of Lebanon, NJ. Alex Degen of Lebanon, NJ. and Jessica Degen of Sylvania, OH. She will be missed by her three great grandchildren; Christian Strandberg, Lukas Strandberg, and Asher Strandberg, all of Austin, TX. Her family and friends will gather for a visitation at the Turner Funeral Home, Spring Hill Drive Chapel, on Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 12 noon – 1 p.m. The funeral Service will be held at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, Fl. 34606 with Reverend Peter J. Morey, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at the Florida Hills Memorial Gardens.l Homes Spring Hill Chapel, Spring Hill, FL.
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