Peggy Cotten Hardenburgh

Peggy Cotten Hardenburgh, born August 29, 1938 in Bude, Miss., passed away peacefully at her home in Gonzales, La. on May 24, 2025 at the age of 86 .She was born Peggy Ann Cotten to Robert D. and Bertie (Hemphill) Cotten. She graduated from Baton Rouge High in 1957. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Richard Brown Hardenburgh on August 7, 1959, in Baton Rouge, and the couple raised 4 daughters. Everything was more fun with Peggy. She never met a stranger and was the life of almost any party. She liked a good shopping trip. She enjoyed listening to music, notably the classic country from her younger years. She had a particular fondness for Elvis Presley. Most of all, Peggy enjoyed entertaining. Countless family memories began and ended at Peggy’s house. She knew how to make a good, home-cooked meal and she could bake with the best of them. Whether it was with her rice and gravy for supper or an excuse to make her brownies, Peggy made her home the gathering place for family and friends alike. She was always happiest when her home was filled with the people she loved. Even newcomers always left her house a little fuller-of food, yes, but mostly of love. Peggy was the heart of our family and she will be missed by many, including her husband of 65 years, Richard; daughters, Leslie (Troy) Babin, Amy Hardenburgh, Allyson Hardenburgh Williams, and Lisa (Kelly) Boudreaux; 6 grandchildren, Matthew (Kate), Mallory (Andrew), Logan, Dayton (Annie), Hayden, Delaney, and Lee; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Bobby Cotten; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Rufus Cotten, Helen Wells, Dorthy Jean Latil, and her parents. Though our hearts ache with her absence, we find comfort in imagining her dancing again-carefree and joyful-as only Peggy could.

A Celebration of Life for Peggy will be held at Harvey Honore Memorial Chapel located at Lamar Dixon Expo Center at 9039 S. St. Landry Avenue Gonzales, Louisiana on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 3:00 pm with visitation beginning at 2:00 pm.