Peggy Ann Hart

Surviving are Nelson, her husband of 54 years, along with their children, David and Tammy; her brother, Michael Otto, and his children, Mike, with wife Brandy, and Tyler; plus several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Lansing Eastern High School, she attended Fort Wayne Bible College and Michigan State University before earning a B. S. in Education from State College at Salem, MA. Teaching elementary students to read was her passion. Peg taught the New Zealand-developed “Reading Recovery” program in Parchment MI and in Zeeland’s New Groningen elementary schools. She loved to hear students of all ages sing and play music, eagerly awaiting each Tulip Time’s marching band and Holland High’s choral performances. Her annual highlight was Hope College Christmas Vespers. Peg exhibited unwavering confidence in the power of love; she clearly treated every person with dignity. A member of Holland’s First Presbyterian Church and its Hannah Circle, she previously served as Presbyterian elder in Albion MI and Monmouth IL. In the late 1990’s Peg and Nelson, with three other couples meeting in their living room, were cofounders of the Holland/Lakeshore chapter of PFLAG, a nation-wide extended family of the LGBTQ community.

Cremation arrangements are by Lakeshore Memorial Services; you may leave condolences at www.lakeshorememorial.com. A family-organized celebration is set for Nov. 3 at First Presbyterian Church, with informal gathering with family at 2 p.m., Service at 3, and light refreshments in the Fellowship Hall following. In lieu of flowers you may contribute in her name to cancer research, PFLAG, or locally to Community Action House.