Peggy Tucker O'Connell

O'CONNELL, Peggy Tucker. "CELEBRATE LIFE AND ALL IT OFFERS." Peggy Tucker O'Connell, 73, died Thursday, January 15, 2009 in Williamsburg, Va. She was a native of Richmond, Va., the only child of the late Robert Calvin and Virginia Tucker. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Dr. William Raymond O'Connell Jr. of Williamsburg; one son, William Raymond O'Connell III, and daughter-in-law, Karen Boylan O'Connell, both of San Antonio, Texas. She received a BA degree from James Madison University, a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University, New York City, and an Honorary Master of Arts from New England College, N.H. Her career in education began as a teacher in the Henrico County Public Schools, and the Laboratory School, an experimental unit of Teachers College, Columbia University, where she taught grades 1 through 6 and supervised Master's level student teachers, and participated in the development of national reading tests and curriculum materials. She worked in the field of educational research, and training and testing for national studies conducted by the Stanford Research Institute in Palo Alto, California. She was the co-founder and first executive director of the Educational Information and Referral Service (EIRS) in Atlanta, Ga. She also counseled adult students at the University of Virginia campus. She was formally recognized in Who's Who of Outstanding Young Women of America in 1970. She shared her talents by serving on the Advisory Committee, United Way, Atlanta, Ga.; President of Atlanta branch, AAUW; PEO President, Chapter G, Washington, D.C.; Secretary of Board of Directors of United Way, Concord, N.H.; and most recently, President of the Kingsmill Women's Social Club, 2007-2009. The family will receive friends at Nelsen Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Friday, January 23, 4 to 6 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, 12 noon at Williamsburg United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Williamsburg United Methodist Church or Hospice Support Care of Williamsburg. Online condolences may be registered at www.nelsencares.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.