Peggy Lee Wright

Peggy Lee (Freeman) Wright, 71, died peacefully on September 26, 2025, during her hospice stay in Aurora, CO, following an 11-year journey with stroke-related health challenges.

Peggy was born November 17, 1953, in Williston, ND, to Richard and Patricia (Bauer) Freeman. In 1954, the family moved to Fargo, ND where they attended First Congregational Church. Peggy graduated from Fargo South High School in 1972 and represented her school at the 1971 North Dakota Girls’ State Convention.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education from North Dakota State University in 1980. December 18, 1976, Peggy married Gary Wright of Fargo at First Congregational Church. The following year, she converted to Catholicism.

Together, Peggy and Gary owned and operated newspapers in Casselton, Hillsboro, and Killdeer, ND, as well as Wayne, NE. Their publications earned state awards, and in 1985 they were honored as North Dakota Businesspersons of the Year. Peggy served as reporter, photographer, darkroom technician, circulation manager, typesetter, designer, and bookkeeper at the newspapers.

In the mid-1990s, Peggy pursued a second career in nursing starting at Wayne State College and finishing at Morningside College in Sioux City, IA where she earned top academic honors. She later served as the school nurse for Wayne Community Schools (K–12) and The Oaks Assisted living facility. She also was heavily involved in local Red Hatters.

In 2013, Peggy and Gary moved to Aurora, Colorado. She enjoyed reading, sewing, crocheting, cooking, and movies. With her husband, Peggy visited 7 continents and more than 65 countries, a love of adventure that began with a month-long European backpacking trip during college in 1976.

Peggy is survived by her husband, Gary of Aurora; sons Andrew (Laura) of Centennial, Colorado, and their three children; and Trevor, who lives overseas. She is also survived by sisters Rosemary (David) Hillerson of West Fargo, Terri Holden of St. Cloud, MN, and Kristin Ozuna (Joe) of Yuma, AZ; along with two nieces, two nephews, and 11 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Patricia Freeman; sister Katherine (Bruno) Carr; and brother-in-law Rene (Kris) Ozuna.

Peggy’s ashes, along with her husband Gary’s in the future, will be scattered at Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, NM.