Peggy Ann Smith

Peggy Ann Smith, of Denver, Colorado, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, in Wheat Ridge, CO, at the age of 97. She was born on August 14, 1928, in Herrin, Illinois. Peggy Ann was the beloved daughter of Sturgus William Smith and Ruth Marjorie Smith. Peggy Ann was an only child. In 1937, she moved with her family to Denver, Colorado.
Peggy Ann was a graduate of South High School with the class of 1946.
She was a member of Saint John's Cathedral in Denver, CO for over 70 years. In her early years with the church, she taught Sunday school classes.
In 1962, she married Alex Pawelek and moved to California. They had six children, Robert, Beverly, Suzanne, Linda, William and Carolyn. In 1979, Peggy Ann moved back to Denver, CO. Their marriage ended in 1983.
Peggy Ann worked at Brentwood Care Center in Denver, CO, as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) for 19 ½ years. She retired in 1993.
During retirement, she enjoyed helping others and spending time with her family and friends.
Peggy Ann was one of a kind. She found delight in her family, playing bingo, playing solitaire, going out to the movies, watching old movies at home like "Meet me in St. Louis", taking a drive in the mountains, riding the cog rail to the top of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, watching and cheering for the Denver Broncos, but above all, she loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart. She loved listening to music by Ethel Merman, Eddie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and many more.
Her kindness and warmth touched everyone she met. The words to best describe her were: a bit goofy, joyful, quirky, funny, nice, kind, loving, positive, and welcoming with open arms, and "She is so sweet." She always made sure to tell us how much she loved us and how proud she was of us. She loved making silly faces and doing the little "skipped a do" dance with her walker when she saw us coming or while getting ready to sit down. She would then give us the look and say, "I better act dignified and act like a lady" and then quickly stopped and smile.
Peggy Ann was predeceased by her parents, her son William, and her daughter Linda. Though their loss brought deep sorrow, her faith provided comfort and strength.
She is survived by her children, son, Robert Alan Pawelek of Denver, CO, daughter Beverly Ann Jones (husband Ronald), of Westminster, CO, daughter Suzanne Marie Pawelek of Lakewood, CO and daughter Carolyn Joyce Dutton (husband Dwight) of Olate, CO. Seven grandchildren Kayla Lopez (Jose Covarrubias), Jessica McElroy (husband Kyle), Stephanie Lopez, Melissa Jones (Scott Pierce), Angela Lopez, Leah Lopez, Daisy Dutton. Five great-grandchildren Liana, Aiden, Emilia, Cooper and Isaac.
Her family would like to thank the staff of Mountain Vista Care Center for the extraordinary care and love they extended to Peggy Ann the last few years of her life. Also, a thank you to the staff of Berkley Hospice for their extraordinary care and love they extended to Peggy Ann the last few months of her life.
Services will be held at Fairmount Cemetery: 430 South Quebec St. Denver, CO 80247 Viewing will be Friday, December 12, at 10 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at 12 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the name of Peggy Ann Smith. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Peggy, please visit our floral store.