Margaret Ellen Dwyer "Peggy" Hartz

Margaret "Peggy" Dwyer Hartz passed away on January 6, 2024, at the age of 89 in Orinda, California. She was born on November 13, 1934 to Fred and Margaret Dwyer and was the oldest of three daughters.

Peggy graduated from Beloit Memorial High School and graduated from Whitewater State College. She taught two years at Whig Hill School in Rockford. Peggy decided she wanted to see more of the world so she and her 3 friends loaded up her two-toned green Plymouth and blazed a trail to San Francisco without a job or place to live. Peggy settled in San Francisco and worked as a teacher. She also worked on the Lurline during her summer vacations as a cruise director along with working weekends in real estate.

Early 1964, Peggy met Ernie Hartz, a young attorney. They soon started dating and married in Palo Alto February 18, 1968.

Peggy was dedicated to many local causes with a focus on equal rights for women and the power of education. She volunteered countless hours for the local school districts.

Peggy cherished her role as a mother and raised her children until they were school aged when she began her second career as a commercial real estate broker. Peggy helped develop Walnut Creek into the city it is today. Peggy retired from real estate after 25+ years at age 78 to help raise her grandchildren, enjoy travel and spend more time with Ernie.

Peggy loved her dogs (Anna, Duchess, Chelsea), all strong-willed females like herself and was seen early every morning taking them for walks

Peggy is survived by her husband, John Ernest Hartz, her daughter, Kimberly Anne Hartz (Steve Foster), her son, Kevin Ernest Hartz (Julia), her sister Virginia, "Ginny" Meyer (predeceased by Robert), her sister Joan Dwyer and grandchildren, Amanda Foster, Samantha Foster, Emma Hartz and Maeve Hartz.

A celebration of life for Peggy was held January 19th, 2024 in Lafayette, CA. Private interment ceremony will be held at Lafayette Orinda, Presbyterian Church in the Kurth Memorial Garden.