Peggy Jean Armstrong Spencer
July 18, 1920 - January 24, 2022
Resident of Los Gatos
Peggy Jean Armstrong Spencer went to her Heavenly home on January 24, 2022.
Born July 18, 1920 in Miami, OK to Sam and Virginia Armstrong. When 6 weeks old the family moved to Butler, MO where she was raised. Her father died in 1932. In 1937, on a family vacation in Estes Park, CO, she met her future husband, T. E. "Spence" Spencer. In 1938 after graduation from high school, she moved with her mother and sister to Kansas City where she attended Kansas City University, now the University of Missouri at Kansas City, the Conservatory of Music (studying piano) and Huff Business College. She worked for Pacific Life Insurance Company, and after WWII started, she worked for the Air Priorities Office at Kansas City Airport. In 1943 she joined the WAVES and was assigned to the Navy Dept. in Washington, DC where, in 1945, she was re-united with Spence. They married in 1946 and lived in the DC area for another 10 years where their 4 children were born.
In 1956 she and Spence moved to Menlo Park, CA as Spence established his own business in San Francisco. In 1958 they bought their first home in Los Altos where they lived for another 42 years. They both became deeply involved with the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. Peggy worked in her children's schools' PTAs, the Assistance League and El Camino Hospital Auxiliary in their early years and frequently moved into leadership roles in these organizations.
As her children grew up, she enjoyed their many activities, and when grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, her enjoyment continued. Her Lord and her family were always the most important things in her life.
In 2000, she and Spence moved to a retirement community, The Terraces of Los Gatos, where they enjoyed the activities and friendships they made there. Spence preceded her in death in 2010.
Peggy enjoyed traveling with her husband on cruises and tours of Europe, the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico and throughout the US with frequent visits to Hawaii and Estes Park, CO. She visited with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren frequently. Peggy was a huge sports fan throughout her life, following the 49ers, SF Giants, Warriors and PAC 12 teams. One of her last football games was watching the 49ers win two days before she passed. She enjoyed symphony and restaurant outings, sunrises, sunsets, full moons, meteor showers and beaches.
She was loved deeply and is survived by her four children: son Gordon (Rosanne) Spencer of Saratoga, CA; daughters Nancy (John) McConnell of Bellevue, WA; Peggy (Jerry) Jolley of Jackson, CA; Molly (Ron) McDonell of Sammamish, WA. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Andrew (Andrea), Philip (Lauren), Mathew (Chelsea) Spencer and Natalie (Garrett) Hall; Neil (Sara) McConnell, Doug (Norma) McConnell; Brett (Jenny) Jolley, Kevin (Melissa) Jolley; Ryan (Shaylee), Craig (Nikki) McDonell and Shannon (Brian) Toraason; 11 great-grandchildren: Magnus Spencer and Declan Spencer; Mark, Jake, Eric, Ryan and Lily McConnell; Lauren and Clayton Jolley; and Shayla and Connor Jolley; and nieces and nephews.
Her family and many friends will deeply miss her great smile, kind words for all, and always positive attitude. She taught her children to love big, hug often, say "I love you" frequently and respect each other. As one friend said, "she didn't have a mean bone in her body".
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 12 at 11 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos, 16575 Shannon Road, Los Gatos, CA. Masks will be required for attendance. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Accent Care Hospice Foundation, Terraces of Los Gatos Benevolence Fund or any charity of your choice.

View the online memorial for Peggy Jean Armstrong Spencer