Margaret E. "Peggy" Edwards

Margaret E. "Peggy" Edwards, a cherished mother, grandmother, and esteemed chemist, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on December 15, 1946, in Boston, to Oscar Young and Evelyn Sloan, Peggy was the youngest of three children in a large, loving family. From an early age, she played an instrumental role in helping to babysit, raise, and guide many of her younger relatives-lessons in care, patience, and love that she carried with her throughout her life.

Peggy lived her entire life in Boston, a city she held close to her heart. She graduated from Boston State College with a degree in Biology and chemistry and began her career at the Gillette Company, where she was a key contributor to the development and testing of Right Guard deodorant. Her groundbreaking work was just the beginning of a long and respected career in the industry, which she remained part of until the age of 75. A proud member of Mensa, Peggy's brilliance and drive were evident to all who knew her.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Peggy had a vibrant personal life full of creativity, warmth, and humor. She enjoyed backgammon, sewing, gardening, playing the piano, and especially cooking-an art she first learned as a child standing beside her grandmother at the stove. Peggy delighted in trying new recipes, watching cooking shows, and passing her culinary knowledge to others.

She had a shy nature with new people, but once you got to know her, Peggy was warm, witty, and full of laughter. She loved comedy shows and movies, traveling, and connecting with people from all walks of life. She found joy in singing in the church choir, spending time with her large extended family, and sharing her time and talents generously with those around her.

An active woman throughout her life, Peggy participated in sports such as basketball, softball, and tennis. Her faith was a central part of her identity; she lived by strong Christian values and made church and spiritual life a cornerstone for her family.

Peggy's life was also filled with laughter and joy. She had a knack for storytelling and could light up a room with her humor. Her laughter was infectious, and her sense of humor was one of the many gifts she shared with her loved ones. Peggy's passion for life was evident in everything she did, from her meticulous work as a chemist to the way she played with her grandson.

Peggy was preceded in death by her former husband, the late Henry Edwards. Peggy is survived by her beloved daughter, Michelle Edwards, and her cherished grandson, Jake Edwards O'Neil. She also leaves behind her brothers, Carl F. Young of Brockton and William R. Young (and his wife, Teresa Young) of Stoughton. Her memory will be lovingly held by her nephews, David Young of Randolph, and Charles and Christopher Young of Brockton, as well as by numerous cousins and their families-all of whom Peggy loved dearly.

She was deeply committed to the well-being of children and gave generously to children's charities, especially the Children's Fund. Though she had one daughter, Peggy's love extended to many others, and she often said the children she supported felt like part of her family. Peggy will be remembered for her brilliant mind, her soft and giving spirit, her contagious laughter, and her unwavering willingness to share what she knew and who she was with those around her. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peggy's honor to a children's charity of your choice, a reflection of her life-long dedication to helping others.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, August 17th, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the Cartwright Funeral Home, 419 No. Main St., Randolph. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 18th, at 10:30 AM in St. Mary Church, 211 No. Main St., Randolph. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, 45 Fairview Ave, Boston, MA 02136