With a deep sense of loss, we announce the death of Peggy Rawheiser, who died peacefully on Friday, December 18, at the age of 86 (following a couple of years of declining health).
Peggy was born in New York City on July 30, 1934 to James Abner Ward and Edna Johnson Ward. She grew up in Rose Hill NC, and graduated with a degree in business from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1956. She moved to Wilmington in 1956 to teach accounting at Goldey-Beacom College. After raising her family, Peggy spent more than 40 years working and volunteering at the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington. Peggy loved family and spent a lot of her retirement researching family trees (her family’s and others). In addition to her ancestry research, she was so proud of the book she wrote “A History of Universalism in North Carolina”, the work she did for the Unitarian Universalist Historical Society, the articles she wrote for the Universalist Herald, and the stamp collection what she had spent 60 years putting together. In addition, Peggy spent her time volunteering with the PTA, NCC Friends of the Libraries Advisory Board, Heatherbrooke Civic Association, and USPS Postal Customer Council Advisory Committee.
Peggy was devoted to her family and to her community. Her five children were in the First Unitarian religious education program, and three of her grandchildren attended EEC. She was a member of the staff at First Unitarian beginning in the mid-70’s. Peggy raised her family with attention to detail in whatever capacity she applied her knowledge and skills. She guided with a firm hand and a gentle heart.
Peggy is survived by Ralph Rawheiser, her husband of 62 years, and five children: David Rawheiser and wife Sue, Debbie Robertson and husband William, Rob Rawheiser and wife Laurie, Bill Rawheiser and wife Cecilia, and Steve Rawheiser and wife April. Her seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. She is survived by a brother, Richard Ward and wife Lynne, and a sister Nancy Dunn.
We extend our care and concern to the Rawheiser family and all who are missing Peggy’s presence in their lives. Her obituary is available, here.
First Unitarian is inviting you to her memorial service which will be held virtually via Zoom (see details below).
Topic: Peggy Rawheiser Memorial Service 3:00 p.m.
Time: Jan 17, 2021 02:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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