Marguerite Stemler

Marguerite Stemler, fondly known as Peggy, passed away on August 19, 2024, just days before her 94th birthday. Throughout her entire life, Peggy remained deeply devoted to God and her Catholic faith.

Peggy was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 12, 1930. She was her high school's valedictorian and went on to graduate from Western Michigan College. Peggy became an educator and taught grade school in the Detroit area for years.

In 1952, Peggy met the love of her life, Joseph Stemler, and the two married in 1954. Joe and Peggy had three sons and were married for 66 years, until Joe passed away in 2020.

Peggy and her family lived in Detroit, Rochester, New York and since 1978, Newport Beach. Peggy was actively involved with her boys' lives and activities, including sailing, skiing, all sports and scouting. Peggy was also involved in numerous philanthropic activities throughout her life, including Strong Memorial Hospital, Children's Hospital of Orange County, UCI Medical Center and several Catholic Churches in California and Nevada. She was instrumental in establishing a USC scholarship in the family's' name.

Peggy loved to travel and spending time in the California mountains at the family home in Big Bear Lake. Peggy enjoyed reading, swimming, boating and needlepoint. She was also an avid golfer and a founding member of the "Niners" group at Big Canyon Country Club.

Peggy is survived by her three sons, Paul, Jim and Bob, their wives, Polly, Kathleen and Janet, her seven grandchildren, Phil, Peter, Kelly, Katie, Pierce, Lian and Reed, her six great grandchildren, Wyatt, Weston, Kylee, Weston, Olivia and Henry, and her brother, Dwight.

A funeral mass will be held at St. John Vianney Chapel on Balboa Island.