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Margaret Wirtz Obituary

WIRTZ, MARGARET "PEGGY" - of Knoxville, Tennessee, born October 12, 1940, died on Friday, October 10, 2008, in Maryville, Tennessee. She is survived by her husband, Dick Wirtz of Knoxville, Tennessee; her daughters and son-in-law, Liza Q. Wirtz of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Margy Wirtz-Henry and Scott Henry of Knoxville, Tennessee; her sisters, Pat Livingston of Tampa, Florida, and Mary Collachi of Auburn, NY; and her caregivers, Judy and Sharkey Chambers and their family and Debbie Garibay, all of Maryville. Peggy worked for more than twenty years for the Knoxville-Knox County Office on Aging, where she served as an invaluable resource to the community's families in need of assistance with caring for their aging loved ones. Her service there included frequent appearances on Live at Five on WBIR, the annual Aging: A Family Affair conference, the Senior Services Directory, and helping to bring together interfaith resources to meet the challenges of the aging population. Her other contributions to the local community included serving as chair of the Citizens for Better Schools, participation in one of the first classes of Leadership Knoxville, and dedicated membership in the Catholic community of John XXIII University Parish. Peggy's characteristic compassion, enthusiasm, and interest in people touched all who met her. Our loss is exceeded only by our love for her. We are grateful that she has finally reached the end of her long struggle and moved on to the next great adventure. A funeral mass for Peggy will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 10 a.m. at John XXIII University Parish at 1710 Melrose Place, Knoxville, Tennessee 37916. A memorial gathering will follow beginning at 12 noon at the home of Margy and Scott at 3419 Peachwood Road, Knoxville, Tennessee 37921. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Peggy's memory to John XXIII University Parish at the address listed above. Arrangements are by Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, www.smithmortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Oct. 12 to Oct. 19, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Wirtz

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April & Mandy Sneed

November 10, 2008

Peggy was an amazing person.She cared about everybody else and not just about herself.She will be missed alot from all the knew her and loved her because she was such a caring person to all of us.
April and Mandy Sneed

Wendy Hall

November 5, 2008

As a Hospice Nurse, it is a privilege to care for my patients in their last days here on earth, but to have cared for Peggy was an honor.

Wendy J. Hall, RN, BMH Hospice

Mary Anne Reese

November 1, 2008

Dear Dick, Liza, Margy and family,

Please know that my thoughts and prayers have been with you all for a long time, and especially since hearing of Peggy's death a few weeks ago. She was a great influence on me in my young adulthood--a role model of liveliness, service to others, faith and fun. I know she will be greatly missed.

I pray that you may receive many blessings in this difficult time.

Lee and Tammi Wolfenbarger

October 31, 2008

Margy and family,

May you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss and adjustment.

mary (olie) collacchi (fefer)

October 31, 2008

Peggy was always watching over me and giving guidance as my big sister. Once when I was depressed she told me'Always and everywhere give thanks.'I've tried to follow that advice in imitation of her for the rest of my life. I give thanks for her beautiful life . I rejoice that she is with her Lord whom she loved and served so well.

Allison Davis

October 29, 2008

With all my love and prayers sweet Margy and family. With love and peace to you all Allison Davis(Rush Family)

Sandy Larson

October 29, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and I am happy for your sweet mother that she is in such a peaceful place.

Felicia Reeves

October 29, 2008

Your family has our prayers.

Maria Gee

October 29, 2008

I only met Peggy once, at Margy's wedding, but her personality, which must be much like Margy's, came through. Her smile was beautiful that day, as it is in her picture. I am sorry that I never got to know her better, but I think I must know of her from knowing Margy. My prayers are with you all.
Love,
Maria Gee

Paul, Myrtle & Mary Bartolini

October 24, 2008

Peggy was a bright light to all who knew her. She was one of the most positive people we have ever known. May God bless her and her family.

Amy Hylton

October 23, 2008

Peggy Wirtz was a kind and generous person. She helped many people with her gentle strength and was never too busy to listen. "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."(Proverbs 31:10) My prayers are with her family. Love, Amy Hylton

Mark Madigan

October 21, 2008

Peggy was my Godmother--and as a child I was lucky enough to have her warmth and kindness part of my life. It was always something special to have notes and cards from Peggy over the years--and to maintain contact into adulthood. Her influence is truly part of my life always. She is alive in our hearts.

Harriet Odlum

October 21, 2008

Dear Dick, Liza, Margy and Pat,
In our freshman year at Manhattanville, Peggy picked me to be her friend and eventual roommate. What a gift our 45- year relationship has been! Her loyalty, her kindness, her vivacity, her clarity, her staunch advocacy on behalf of others, and her love and trust in God's plan - she gave so much to so many. We are all better for having known her. I will miss her.

Connie Coleman

October 20, 2008

To all of Peggy's beloved family - I hope your memories comfort you frequently over the years. Mine, of our college days, are so like yours - she was bright, loving, warm, and joyous. She always shared her inner glow with me, and I don't think it ever dimmed over time.

Arden Loveless Carroll

October 20, 2008

Liza, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Please be assured she left a void in the lives of all she touched. I know she will live on through the lives you and Margy live. Love,

Sandy and Bud Madigan

October 20, 2008

Our lives were entwined in college, as we forged a friendship that nothing could weaken: not distance, nor time or nor even death. Dearest Peggy will always have a special place in our hearts. We send love to her whole family and the community which mourns her passing from among us. We entrust her into the palm of God's hand, and continue to celebrate her life with sweet memories.

Sharkey,Judy Chambers

October 20, 2008

Peggy how we will miss you. But in our hearts we know you are in heaven with our father.You mean so much to so many different
people,that is why one word cannot
describe you. Here are a few of the names you're called.Babe (Dicks ) Name For You
Wonderful,Vivacious,Warm,Delightful,
Bright light.ect,ect,ect.this is just names that family,friends & acq have given you. Angels like you
are to meet people like us on their tour thru this world.
What a legacy you have left.
Even to people that never had the
honor to know you personally.
You will always have a special place
in my heart. your friends,caregivers
Sharkey & Judy Chambers

Nancy Wood

October 19, 2008

Margy and Family,
I am so sorry to read of your mother's passing. She was a great asset to seniors and citizens of Knoxville and the surrounding area. You are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Harry McRae

October 19, 2008

What a warm and wonderful person to work with. She was always so pleasant.
"The LORD shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, *
From this time forth for evermore.
Rest perpetual grant unto them, O Lord
And let light perpetual shine upon them."

Debbie Garibay

October 18, 2008

I was very fortunate to help with Peggy's care at the end of this life. She was truly an angel on loan from GOD. I believe she completed her mission and GOD wanted her back. She could melt your heart with her sweet expressions and her special hugs(only she could give). I will always remember Peggy for what she taught me even though her illness. Dick, Margy, Liza and Mary and Pat will always have a special place in my heart!! Thanks for letting me be a small part in such a special family and in the presence of an angel. I will never forget your precious family or the time I spent with Peggy.
GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU!! And remember, she is still watching over you.

Doti Martin

October 16, 2008

Wishing you God's peace. Take comfort in all the good memories and in the friends who care so much.

Christina Roach

October 14, 2008

Margy,

You & your family are in my prayers. If there is anything that I can do for you, please just let me know.

Bill Wescott Family

October 13, 2008

God's peace and Special Blessings upon His Loyal & Loving Servant Peggy...and upon All those who Celebrate Her New Life with the Lord.
Amen....

Dale Powers

October 13, 2008

I remember Peggy as such a vivacious, lively, lovely person. It's hard to believe she has left us so soon. But she has surely gone "to the House of the Father" where she now intercedes for us all. I pray her family is comforted by the peace of Christ.

Muna Rodriguez

October 13, 2008

Margy, our prayers are with you and your family. You spoke very highly of your mother, and I know how much she meant to you and your family. I am sorry for your loss and am here if you need anything.

Donna Kaye Thomas

October 13, 2008

Margy,
Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and praying for your family during this sad time.

Stephenie Andrews

October 13, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out for Peggy's family and friends. She was a wonderful person who was truly a gift to all those who knew her. Her loving and giving nature reached out to all, and she touched many whose lives are better for it. I will miss Peggy, but I am so blessed to have known her. Peace be with you.

Sharon and Mark Collins

October 12, 2008

Our prayers are with your family and your mothers dear friends. We know you will feel the Lord's arms holding you all in comfort and give you peace through the Holy Spirit. Give your selves plenty of time for your healing. I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet your sweet mother when I moved here. She is a lovely lady. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.

Karen Ray

October 12, 2008

Over the past few years, I had the pleasure to visit with Peggy on several occasions at Maryg’s home and during the planning of Margy’s wedding. Peggy had such a delightful smile, so genuine, so sweet. It was clear that she adored her girl’s and loved her family.

It was evident the type of Mother Peggy was to have raised such bright and loving young women, Margy and Liza. Her daughters share many of the same wonderful qualities that I understand Peggy possessed, so we know she lives on through them.

Being closest with Margy, I am aware of her care and concern for others and as Liza embarks on a career in a field also helping others, it is clear they possess similar characteristics in which Peggy dedicated her life through many years of service to others.

My heart goes out to the family and close friends for the sadness they feel, but I am also grateful that Peggy lived a life that continues on through her daughters and the work that she did for so many years still continues on in our community.

Catherine (Marler) Rapp

October 12, 2008

Our family is thinking of you and yours during this time. Peggy was such a wonderful and brght light of a person. Even in death, she continues to make efforts to make the world a better place for those left here. That is a beautiful testiment to the kind of person she was.
Much love,

Phil, Cindy, and Megan

October 12, 2008

How profoundly saddened we were to learn of Peggy's death. We will remember so many wonderful things about her, including and especially her infectious laugh, her enthusiasm and genuine interest in learning about *you*, her uncanny ability to find and bring out the humor in any situation, and her unbounded commitment to others -- particularly those least able to care for themselves. Among those of us fortunate enough to know Peggy, she leaves innumerable fond memories and a legacy which will endure. We will greatly miss her.

Samuel Fefer

October 12, 2008

How might one best remember a stalwart icon in one's family. Peggy was always looking out for all of us, even when we lived so far away. It is with great joy that I know she has returned to Christ, and with greater joy to have her as my Aunt.
Samuel

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