MARGARET "PEGGY" DAWSON O'DAY

Margaret (Peggy) Dawson O’Day, 100, passed into the arms of Jesus on January 21, 2020, where she was greeted by family members who have gone on before. Those were a husband of 67 years, Ralph, parents Earl and Adelta Dawson, and sisters Libby and Adelta. She is survived by 5 children—Jack O’Day (Joan), Edie Sipos (Joe), Gail Olive (George), Joe O’Day (Sue), and Jim O’Day (Carol)—13 grandchildren, and more than 30 great-grandchildren.

Peggy was born in Newark, Delaware, on August 3, 1919, and graduated as an art major in 1941 from the University of Delaware. She demonstrated her talent in painting and sculpting. In 1941 she married Ralph J. O’Day and moved to Bristol, Tennessee, where they lived for a year before they moved to a farm west of Seaford. Ralph and Peggy raised their 5 children on the farm.

Peggy was an active member of Gethsemane UMC in Reliance, Delaware, since 1942. There she demonstrated her love for Jesus by teaching Sunday school and serving as president of the UMW. She was also choir director, pianist, and organist for many years. She loved to make quilts and made a quilt for each of her children and her 13 grandchildren.

The Delaware State Grange was a meaningful part of her life, where she served in local and state offices. In 1964 she won a National first place for her sewing sampler. Again, in 1984 she won the National Grange sewing contest for a dress made for a grandchild. She also won honors for her photography. Ralph and Peggy served a term as Matron and Master of the Delaware State Grange, spending countless hours publishing the Grange newsletter. Many hours were spent manning the food booth at the state fair in Harrington.

Teaching 5th grade came later in life as the last of her children started school. She taught in West Seaford and Fred Douglas. 

After moving to the ACTS Manor House in 1989, she used her talents to benefit others by serving in the Honeysuckle Players, playing Wii bowling, being involved in fashion shows, and playing games with the residents in the memory unit. Most days would find her visiting in the health care unit.

A memorial service will be held at Gethsemane UMC in Reliance on Sunday, February 2, at 2:00 PM. Manor House friends can attend a memorial service in the social hall at the ACTS Manor House on Monday, February 3, at 2:00 PM.

Those wishing to honor her life can make contributions to Gethsemane UMC, 2701 Woodland Ferry Road, Seaford DE 19973 or the ACTS Manor House, Benevolence Fund, 1001 Middleford Road, Seaford DE 19973.

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