Peggy Joyce Fish Rada

Peggy Joyce Fish Rada

November 16, 2025

Peggy Joyce Fish Rada of Black Mountain, N.C., died November 16, 2025, at age 83.

Born in Raleigh, growing up in Wilson, N.C., Peggy's southern accent, hospitality, and love of family and friends were shared throughout her life. Above all, her faith and commitment to service were her identity, loving God, Jesus, and the Church. She earned a BA (Education & Religion) at Meredith College, and an MA (Bible & Theology) from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (PSCE) now Union Presbyterian Seminary (UPS).

Peggy's intellectual curiosity, quiet nature, ability to see multiple perspectives, fierce sense of humor, and deep authenticity defined who she was. She taught in public schools (Henrico County & Boone, N.C.) before teaching for 24 years at Collegiate Schools (Richmond). Additionally, she was a beloved Bible teacher, Christian Educator, and Parent educator. Peggy's unpaid professional role was serving alongside her husband as a co-partner in work and travels for PSCE (UPS), the Richmond Red Cross, and while Heath was Moderator for the Presbyterian Church USA. Her commitment to social justice defined her engagement as a ruling elder in her churches, a board member with AIDS Council (VA) and Anderson Foundation (Western NC), and a volunteer with Head Start and local food delivery programs. Her passion for reading initiated book clubs in Richmond and Black Mountain, and her interest in politics and religion in the Middle East included study trips and seminars. She was honored by the establishment of the Peggy Fish Rada Endowment for Multiculturalism (Collegiate), the Rada Welcome Plaza (UPS), and the Lifetime Achievement Award (PCUSA Women).

In addition to her love of God, Peggy's love of family was the center of her life. She was married to her one true love, Heath, for 59 years. Together they raised two beloved daughters, Margaret Grace and Mary Talmage, embraced son-in-law Matthew (Schroer), and adored grandchildren Heath Blake (Bradley) and Anna Grace (Schroer). Whereas Peggy was known for her inclusive outlook, there was no doubting her bias toward her grands, who lovingly called her "Honey Dear". She was predeceased by daughter Margaret, brother Talmage, and her parents. She also deeply loved spending time with her extended family and family-by-choice.

Peggy's final gift to this world was evident as she lived with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). She maintained a grit and determination to remain positive even while accepting her declining state of health. She donated her body for study in hopes it might help find treatment for LBD.

A service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church on December 20, 2025 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peggy Rada Endowment at Collegiate School, the Rada Welcome Plaza at Union Presbyterian Seminary or a charity of your choice which stands for justice and compassion in the world.