Margaret T. Ajootian

Margaret T. Ajootian, affectionately known as Peggy to her friends and family, left this world as gracefully as she lived in it on April 18, 2025, due to natural causes at the Kaplan House in Danvers MA. Born on September 5, 1935, in Peabody, Massachusetts, Peggy's radiant spirit and zest for life began to blossom. Her journey on this earth may have concluded in the peaceful town of Danvers, MA, but her legacy of love and laughter will forever echo in the hearts of those she touched.
Peggy's life was a tapestry of rich experiences and enduring relationships. She was the cherished daughter of the late Rudolph and Catherine McDuff, and the beloved wife of the late Richard O. Ajootian. Her life was further blessed with her children: Paul R. Ajootian and his partner Deborah Gregory of Salem MA, James R. Ajootian of Merrimac MA, and Laureen Nocton and her husband Michael of Middleton MA. Though she was predeceased by her son Thomas R. Ajootian, her love for him remained unshaken and profound.
Family was Peggy's cornerstone, and she took immense pride in her lineage, including her brothers Raymond McDuff of Peabody MA, Michael and his wife Theresa McDuff of Londonderry NH, Leonard and his wife Mary McDuff of Peabody MA, and her late brother James R. McDuff. Her sisters, the late Joan Johanson and surviving husband Francis of Salem MA, Marie and Paul Pessa of Erie PA, Kathleen and Allen Peterson of Lynn MA, also held special places in her life. Peggy's joy was multiplied with the arrival of each of her grandchildren, Amy, Jennifer, and Kelly, and her great-grandchildren Ryan, Julia, Nick, Landon, and Gavin, who will carry her spirit forward.
A proud graduate of Lynn English High School, Peggy's thirst for knowledge was paralleled only by her desire to contribute to her community. Her professional journey included enriching experiences at the Northeast Tennis Center, McDuff pools, and CBS Hytron, where she not only honed her skills but also fostered lasting friendships and impacted lives through her work ethic and engaging personality.
Peggy's interests were a reflection of her multifaceted personality. She was an exceptional cook, renowned for her cake making, which brought sweetness to many a gathering. Her role as a Den Mother showcased her nurturing spirit, guiding the young with patience and wisdom. She was an avid bird watcher, a voracious reader, and found joy in the simple pleasures of walking, bowling, and dancing. Peggy had a green thumb, cultivating beauty in her garden, and was always ready to lend a hand during town elections alongside her husband.
Her infectious laughter and spirited nature never failed to light up a room. Peggy's life was a testament to the power of positivity and the beauty of embracing every moment with love and humor.
As we reflect on Peggy's life, we are reminded that our time here is precious and that the essence of a life well-lived is found in how deeply we love, how much we laugh, and how willingly we lend ourselves to the service of others. Peggy Ajootian lived by these principles, and in doing so, became a beacon of light for all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her story does not end with her passing but continues in the lives she shaped, the memories she created, and the laughter she inspired. Peggy Ajootian's legacy will be carried on not just in her family's hearts, but in the countless lives she touched with her loving, funny, and spirited soul.
Let us celebrate Peggy's life by embracing her ethos: to love without reservation, to find humor in the everyday, and to live with a spirit that is unyielding in its optimism. Her departure is not a goodbye, but a reminder to live as she did-with grace, joy, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a brighter place.
In lieu of flowers the family ask for donations to Kaplan House and its wonderful staff that took care of Peggy and the family in her final days. (see the link below)
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