Margaret Parker Karren

Margaret Abbe “Peggy” Parker Karren, a seventh-generation Texan and eleventh-generation American, passed away in Houston, Texas on Thursday, the 8th of August 2024, after a long illness. Peggy was born the 10th of July 1938, in Austin, Texas, to Jacque Adoue Parker of Austin, Texas, and Marjorie Davisson of Eastland, Texas. Peggy graduated from Austin High in 1956 and from the University of Texas in 1960. At “The University”, as she called it, Peggy was an active Zeta Tau Alpha member.

After graduation, Peggy moved to Houston in the early 1960s to work as a staff assistant to the famous heart surgeons Dr. Michael DeBakey and Dr. Denton Cooley. In 1965, she married the love of her life, Howard Karren, a Texas A&M 1951 graduate. They were married for 51 years till his untimely death in 2016.

Peggy lived an extraordinary life filled with style, beauty, and a love of entertaining. A delightful friend, she fiercely loved her family and shared her zest for life with everyone.

Peggy pursued multiple interests and careers. Some highlights include:

•Antique Dealer: Peggy began her world-class antiques collection while living in London in the mid-60s with Howard. Shopping on the Portobello Road with friends was her favorite activity. After returning to the United States, Peggy frequented Round Top, Brimfield, and the Hillsborough Antiques shows. In the late 1970s in San Francisco, she founded Brown-Karren, an antique shop with longtime friend Sandra Brown. Together, they operated three successful antique shops in the Bay Area for over 25 years.

•Collector: Peggy possessed an extraordinary eye for discovering and acquiring unique items. Her photographic memory for pieces (and their prices) enabled her to assemble world-class collections of blue and white plates, Amari, Staffordshire dogs, rare books, toy soldiers, costume jewelry, and her beloved Raggedy Ann dolls, among others.

•Designer: Peggy’s homes were living showcases of her creative talent. Over six decades, she transformed houses in London, Houston, San Francisco, and Sonoma County into curated art and antique galleries reflecting her distinctive “Peggy” style.

•World Traveler: Peggy and her husband Howard visited six continents and over forty-five countries. Her poise, sophistication, and diplomatic skills made her equally at home in corporate settings or bustling bazaars.

•Wine Aficionado: Peggy's love of wine, cultivated during her time in Europe and San Francisco, led her and Howard to purchase a home in Sonoma County's wine country. For over 20 years, they meticulously crafted world-class gardens and a vineyard in Glen Ellen, California that produced award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon. Karren Vineyard was a testament to their shared passion.

Three more defining aspects of Peggy’s life:

•Peggy was a devoted Episcopalian. Baptized at All Saints Church in Austin, Texas, married at St. John’s Church in Houston, and active in congregations in London (St. Mark’s, Mayfair) and Houston (St. Martin’s), she found her spiritual home at St. Luke’s Church in San Francisco for over forty-three years.

•Peggy was a San Franciscan at heart. Though her life unfolded in Texas—from birth to marriage to death—it was the City by the Bay that truly captured her spirit. Beginning in 1978, she embraced San Francisco as her second home, a place where she thrived and made her mark. Her elegant residences in Pacific Heights and later, the stylish flats of Russian Hill and the Marina, were renowned for their vibrant energy and unforgettable gatherings. Peggy reveled in the city’s temperate climate, which she affectionately dubbed "God's air conditioning," and cherished leisurely strolls through its iconic neighborhoods. A passionate foodie, she delighted in the city's culinary scene. Above all, Peggy treasured her deep connections with the San Francisco community. An active member of the Francisca Club, she was also a familiar presence at events hosted by the Legion of Honor, St. Francis Yacht Club, Olympic Club, and Bohemian Club.

•A fervent patriot, Peggy cherished America’s values and traditions. Her dedication to her country was exemplified by her active involvement in the San Francisco chapter of the Colonial Dames. Founded by descendants of the original thirteen colonies, the organization is committed to preserving American history, safeguarding historic homes, and fostering patriotism.

Most importantly, Peggy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her unwavering love and support were instrumental in her husband Howard’s career and successes. She was equally dedicated to her sons, Charles Parker and Geoffrey Davisson, as well as Charles’ wife Diana and her grandchildren Christian Parker and Grace Margaret. One of Peggy’s defining legacy is providing educational opportunities first, for her children and now grandchildren. Additionally, Peggy is survived by her sister Julie, Julie’s husband Jim Johnson, her nieces Margaret Ann Bollmeier, Suzanne Wooten and Robin Rose Ostlund as well as her cousins Tommy Parker, Jack Parker, her late cousin, Denny Parker’s daughter Camille Ross and her uncle Richard Parker.

Peggy brought sunshine into every life she touched. She faced life’s challenges, including her cancer with courage and a sense of humor. Let us remember her delightful laugh and loving nature. Be at peace now, Peggy. You were dearly loved and will be missed by your family and your many, many friends in Texas, San Francisco, Sonoma County and all over the world.

•Houston Memorial Service: Two O’clock in the Afternoon on Friday, the 23rd of August 2024, in St. Martin’s Christ Chapel, 717 Sage Road in Houston. Immediately following the service all are invited to greet the family during a reception at a venue to be announced.

•San Francisco Memorial Service: A service of remembrance will be held in October at a date to be determined.

•Interment: Peggy will be buried next to her husband Howard at the Aggie Field of Honor in College Station, Texas. She becomes the first and only Longhorn to be buried there.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to, Dr. Lu and Dr. Taylor of MD Anderson, Dr. Holmes of UT Health, Cindy Hartman and the nurses of C&S Healthcare Services, the nurses of Houston Hospice and finally the staff and her friends at Traditions Woodway that provided her with care and companionship that enriched her final years.

In remembrance of Peggy’s life, in lieu of customary remembrances, please consider making a charitable donation to: The Colonial Dames of America in California, 2645 Gough Street San Francisco, CA 94123-4402; or Houston Hospice 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030-4123.

Please view Peggy’s online memorial tribute page at GeoHLewis.com, where memories and words of comfort and condolence may be share electronically with her family.