Margaret "Peggy" Mary O'Shea

Peggy was born in Yonkers, New York on June 3, 1952 and was raised there by her mother and father, Margaret and James O’Shea. After graduating high school in New York, Peggy moved to Florida where her love of children led her to study social work and child psychology in college. After finishing her studies, she moved back to New York and began an eclectic professional career. She spent time as an actor, owned a boutique, and sold plants at markets on weekends. After marrying, she moved to San Francisco where she became a director at The Sharper Image, and in the mid 1980s, after becoming a mother, she moved to Oregon and became Creative and Marketing Director for Find the Children, a non-profit focused on finding missing and abducted children and reuniting them with their families. This work was close to her heart, and she continued in this role until 2011 when she retired due to her health.

Throughout her life, Peggy was a uniquely creative and talented person who loved to dance, sing, paint, craft, play guitar, twirl a baton, ski, swim, and so much more. Greater and more far reaching than any of her other talents was the way she loved without reservation. This love extended to every creature great and small. She was a selfless and extraordinary daughter, sister, grandmother, friend, and mentor. Above all else, she was a gentle, caring, strong, and dedicated single mother who always thought first about the needs and happiness of her daughter and son. In spite of her tenderness, she was also a warrior who battled a myriad of illnesses with poise and determination. Even in the midst of great pain and adversity, she was always eager to smile and laugh. Much of her resilience was gleaned from her faith in God, which comforted her until the end.

Peggy is survived by her daughter, son, grandson, two brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, cousins, and the many honorary family members who she accumulated throughout life. She is preceded by her mother, father, and brother.

While her vibrant physical presence will be missed, her colorful spirit will continue to paint the earth and sky.