Margaret "Peggy" Gaynor

margaret

March 19, 1942 ~ January 9, 2023

Born in: Scranton, PA
Resided in: Fargo, ND

Peggy’s Service will be viewable on this page starting at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 18th, 2023:

Margaret “Peggy” Gaynor, 80, Fargo, ND, passed away on January 9, 2023 at Sanford Hospice House.

Margaret K. Gaynor was born in Scranton, PA on March 19, 1942. To family, friends, colleagues and strangers alike, she was always Peggy. Her parents, Margaret and Robert, moved the family to Virginia at the end of the WWII. She attended the St. Thomas More School and graduated from the Marymount High School in Arlington, VA. Peggy then entered the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary as a novice at Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY. Upon graduation, and taking final vows in the order, Peggy took a teaching position at the Marymount School in St Louis, MO. When the school closed, she continued her education and earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling at Washington University. After completing her Master’s Degree, she held positions teaching math at high school on Long Island, NY and math & counseling at Pace University in New York City. Peggy met and married Fred Alm in New York City and together they decided to move to Fargo-Moorhead in 1976. Peggy was hired that year at NDSU and thus began her long standing career. For 20 years, she was a staff counselor as well as working in the Equal Opportunity Office. In the last 10 years of her career, Peggy was not only a counselor, but also was named Director of the Counseling Center Disability Services. During her tenure, Peggy was honored and recognized for her steadfast service to NDSU and the Fargo-Moorhead Community. She was an Inductee of Diverse Talents and earned the Blue Key Doctor of Service award in 2003. She also received recognition at the Gunkelman Ceremonies in 1997 and 2000 and was honored twice by the Department of Residential Life. After retiring, Peggy contributed time and talent to many civic and charitable causes: Hospice of the Red River Valley, NDSU Vet Tech Program, Fargo Symphony, Salvation Army, Fargo Library System, and Meals on Wheels. She also had exercised her passion for flying by earning her private pilot’s license. She further served as a traveling Retired Application Reviewer for the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS) and established the Peggy Gaynor Scholarship at NDSU to aid students pursuing theater arts. She was a member of the Bison Arts Board from 2012-2018 and honored as a valued music supporter by the Challey School of Music. In 2021, Peggy was recognized by Bethany Retirement Living as Senior of the Year. If there was a project to be done, Peggy could always be counted on to lend a hand.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margaret Gaynor, her sister, Molly Gaynor, and a nephew, Malcolm Aziz.

She is survived by her sister Barbara Rose Gaynor, her brother Robert Gaynor, her niece Emily (Byron) Carpenter, and their son Campbell Carpenter, as well as many loving friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sanford Hospice House, Hospice of the Red River Valley, Fargo Library, or any other organization of your choice.

Services

Visitation - Wednesday: January 18, 2023 1:00 pm

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
710 10th St S
Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 237-6063
https://stanthonyfargo.org/

Memorial Service - Wednesday: January 18, 2023 2:00 pm

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
710 10th St S
Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 237-6063
https://stanthonyfargo.org/

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Peggy was a dear friend and colleague from NDSU. She was so kind and caring. I will miss at PEO meetings so much.

  2. Peggy was a very dear friend of my mother. They worked together as counselors at NDSU and became such close friends. She was a beautiful person and will be greatly missed.

  3. Peggy was a genuine, thoughtful, and welcoming colleague at NDSU. Even after retirement, she continued to volunteer at NDSU commencement ceremonies and it was evident she thought whatever role we assigned her to was always “the best one” (even if it wasn’t). I can’t help but wonder how many students lives she positively impacted. She will be missed.

  4. Peggy was the first friend I made at NDSU. When I first started working there we had a shortage of office space & Peggy immediately offered to share her office & desk with me. I remember so many kindnesses she did for me throughout all the years. She became a very special friend not only to me & my immediate family but to our extended family as well. She was very loved & she will be very missed.

  5. Peggy, You were a mentor to so many and your graciousness and desire to do good will live on in the hearts of those who knew you during your time on earth! Rest eternally, Mary

  6. Peggy was a beautiful angel in my life. She was the first person I met when I moved to Fargo and started working at NDSU 18 years ago. She became a very special friend to me and to my family. A beautiful soul, caring and kind friend.
    “Those who touch our lives, stays in our hearts forever.”
    RIP. Love, Rocio

  7. Peggy was the exemplar of kindness. I was lucky to know her and call her a friend. She and I were counselors together at NDSU in the 80’s. She was always caring and thoughtful 💕. I am so sorry to hear of her passing…she brought so much light to the world. She is missed!❤

  8. Peggy was a true patron of the arts in every way – as an avid audience member and listener, tireless volunteer, thoughtful Board member, generous supporter and encouraging cheerleader. Her friends at Fargo-Moorhead Symphony and throughout the entire arts community deeply mourn her loss and remember her with love.

  9. The first word that comes to mind when I think of Peggy is the word generous…she was generous with her spirit, her time, her love, and her smile. She was a genuine joy to know and a delight to call friend. She will be missed by so many people she has touched through the years.

  10. In 1998 Peggy travelled to Italy with the NDSU concert choir. As we departed Fargo on a bus headed for the Minneapolis airport, I realized I forgot my passport in my hometown. After a few phone calls, the passport was put on the next flight to the Minneapolis airport, and would be waiting me when we arrived. Once at the airport, Peggy offered to accompany me, a naive 19 year old kid, to the guest services location to pick it up. Peggy flagged down a man driving a courtesy cart and asked for assistance. Peggy was very calm, cheerful, and profusely thanked the cart driver for helping us. She asked him about himself, his life, his family, and tipped him for his service. As he dropped us off, Peggy told him, “I hope if you’re ever in need of help, someone will show as much kindness to you as you have shown to us.” She blew me away with how she handled herself and communicated with other people. She taught all of us students important life lessons, mostly by her example. We are so lucky she made an impact on us. What an incredible life she lived.

  11. For more than a dozen years, Peggy was the face of the Fargo Public Library for the residents of Riverview Place Assisted Living. Volunteering to take books out to people who couldn’t visit the library in person was just one of the many ways she made the world a better place. She brightened the lives of the library staff as well with her unassailable kindness and joy. We’ll all miss her more than we can express.

  12. Peggy was a professional mentor and dear personal friend. I learned so much from her about patience and grace and respecting the value of every human. Peggy also had a wonderful vocabulary with some of her own words and phrases. My very favorite was “go gently” which she whispered to me from her bed the last time I saw her.

    Go gently my friend.

  13. I first met Peggy as a grad student in the NDSU counseling program. She started as a mentor and over the years became a good friend. We enjoyed many a musical, choir concert and she was always game to come to my kids musical events which they appreciated. She has the most calm soothing manner about her. I will miss our lunches where we always ran into 3-4 more people Peggy knew and her giving my van a gentle tap as we said goodbye.

  14. Peggy was such a lovely, lively woman. Her friends will miss her, as will thos who never met her but who benefitted from her efforts. Virginia Dambach

  15. I was fortunate enough to live across the hall from Peggy for 10 years. So many mornings we would open our door and find a little note and perhaps a sweet treat. That was Peggy.. so sweet and thoughtful always. As someone else mentioned she would always greet you and say “ Go gently “. I feel very privileged to have known her. RIP NOW SWEET PEGGY,,,Patti Pratt

  16. Peggy will always hold a place in my heart. Her kindness, gentile manner, grace and humility were her gifts to many who knew her and called her friend and sister. You are loved, Peggy! Well done, good and faithful servant. “I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Rest well, lovely spirit. 💗

  17. Peggy was a dear friend of my parents. After my dad died, she was there for my mom and never stopped showing up in the 18 years my mom lived alone afterward. She joined us every year for Polish Christmas Eve dinner, and she was part of my mom’s life in a million small and thoughtful ways. She embodied the gift of presence: showing up and making everyone feel seen and loved in her gentle, thoughtful Peggy way. We were so blessed to have Peggy in our lives.

  18. Peggy was such a dear friend to our entire family. We met 38 years ago when we moved to Fargo and Rich and I started working at NDSU. She was a Godmother to our son and was a treasured friend to our entire family. We will miss her so.

  19. What a beautiful soul. Peggy made everyone around her want to be better.

    Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,
    and let Your perpetual light shine upon her.
    May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
    Amen.

  20. Peggy taught me to stop being afraid of flying. She explained the miraculous science of flight she loved so much and suggested I keep an eye on the flight attendants for reassurance. I will remember her quiet presence and always compassionate smile.

  21. Peg came to Strasburg, Pa the summer of 2022 to spend time with her brother, Bob, who is my wonderful neighbor. I didn’t really know her before that but felt like I gained a Friend. We talked about everything those few weeks that summer. My garden, our small town parade, my cooking, to her navigating her way driving around Lancaster County. Peg was so much fun to talk to and my husband and I will miss spending time with her. I absolutely came to love her and will forever hold her in my heart.

  22. Peggy and I first met in 1957 in high school. I spent more time in her house than I did in my own. Her parents “adopted” me. We lost touch for a number of years but when we reconnected several yrs ago it was as if we had never been apart. She was a deeply spiritual person. All the gifts her friends speak of-thoughtful, lively, funny, generous, caring, warm, smart, adventurous and more, I believe sprang from her deep and pure relationship with God. The work God planned for her is accomplished. Go, good and faithful servant. Enjoy the reward! I love you.

  23. My deepest sympathies to Peggy’s family. She was a dear friend and I will miss her dearly. I wish I could be at the visitation, but unfortunately, I am out of town. My prayers for her family and all who loved her. She will be greatly missed. Love, Wanda Overland

  24. Peggy was so helpful to me when I attended NDSU. I was so fortunate to run into her a few years ago. Always with a sparkle in her eye-and with a “how are
    you”? We were blessed to have known her and touched by her sincere kindness. Blessed be her memory.

  25. We had the absolute privilege of knowing Peggy for more than 40 years. She was a soft spoken angel filled with energy, knowledge, insight, humor, and never ending kindness. Peggy was an excellent listener and always provided thoughtful and helpful feedback. She took time to become a special friend to everyone she met.
    It is not a surprise that Peggy liked this verse: “I have cried through the night for the shortness of sight for others whose needs I’ve been blind. But I’ve not as of yet had a single regret for being a little too kind”. We are confident that Peggy never had to cry through the night since she always was just the right amount of “kind.”

  26. Peggy and I met at least 45 years ago when NDSU adult ed offered a course in “Assertiveness training…learn to say NO”, taught by Ms. Gaynor. My friend and I signed up🙂 The class was great, but better was the relationship we formed after that. She later moved into my condo complex as my next doir neighbor and we were close friends since then.
    Peggy was one of a kind…. always there with a helping hand, a kind word, a loving deed and done in a quiet, thoughtful manner. If I ever knew a saint, it would be Peggy and she, no doubt, is flying free with the angels. We are all better folks for having known her!!!!
    Peace to all who loved her and as Peggy would always say…”GO GENTLY”

  27. Peggy was such a warm, caring, and loving person. I always saw her as more of an Aunt than a cousin because of how close we were when I was younger. I miss her dearly and wished we had more time but life had other plans.

  28. Peggy was one of the most gentle and compassionate woman I have known. Even in her final days, she was concerned about others. I feel blessed to have known Peggy. Her kindness, gentleness, encouragement, and humor. I remember with great fondness.

  29. Peggy introduced our bookclub to the Canadian author Louise Penny, whose Armand Gamache series she loved. Louise Penny writes on her website that the themes of her books are about “goodness, kindness, choices, friendship and belonging, and love, enduring love.” And these themes define Peggy’s life. May she rest in peace.

  30. I have been privileged to know Peggy for over 45 years, first meeting her when she taught an adult ed class at NDSU titled “Assertiveness training…learn how to say NO” !!! The class was most interesting, but the best part was the friendship that developed because of it. Peggy later bought a condo next to mine and our time spent together was a special gift to me.
    Peggy was the most gentle of souls, always ready to help, to listen, to console, to council, and all done with wisdom and love. She’s flying high with the angels now and we’re all the better for knowing her and calling her friend.
    As Peggy would say,” Go gently”.💕

  31. I met Peggy in 2006. A meeting with her at the counseling center was on the schedule when I interviewed for a faculty position at NDSU. She was welcoming, kind, and interested in me as an individual. We shared a love for and similar approach to counseling. Since there was nothing planned after our session that day we talked way beyond the scheduled time. As usual when I left her I felt accepted, excited, and hopeful about NDSU. My first thought after leaving her was that I wanted to connect with her again. I was fortunate to come to NDSU and Peggy and I remained colleagues and mainly friends. She was a light in my life. No doubt her light shines on for so many.

  32. I remember Peggy well as a young lady entering the the order with my sister, Jane Lawton, who not only graduated from Marymount HS in Arlington, but entered The RSHM in Tarrytown both at the same time. She was a beautiful girl and I was a bachelor, but ….
    God rest her soul. She did so much for so many, it would be hard not to imagine her in heaven now.

  33. My late husband, Frank Gaynor, considered his first cousins more as siblings I have no doubt he would have been able to share wonderful memories. I’ve loved being part of the Gaynor family and enjoyed many great conversations with Peggy. She was insightful and honest, possessing a fabulous turn of phrase. She was both gentle and fierce—gentle because of her love of people and fierce about wrongs. I, and my family, will think often of Peggy, ever holding her in our hearts.

  34. Peggy was among the first employees I met when I started working at NDSU in 1979. My initial thought that come to mind when hearing her name is that of one of the nicest people I have ever known. She was bright, kind, caring, and a tremendous listener. She also had a wonderful sense of humor. Always appropriate, she was a trusted confidant of students, colleagues and friends. I looked forward to our monthly “birthday club” gatherings knowing that Peggy would be there to brighten the day. There was certainly a place ready in heaven for Peggy Gaynor. She is loved and missed. Condolences to her family and friends.

  35. 1 was blessed and privileged to get to know Peggy while working at NDSU. She was the most kind, sincere, compassionate person I’ve ever known. She always made you feel like you were the most important person in the world during conversations, gifts of a great listener, so comforting. Go easy dearest Peggy, you wereca gift to all and now you’re shining with the most high! God Bless her family. My condolences and prayers.

  36. Peggy and I met on our first day at Marymount Highschool in Arlington, VA at the age of 14.

    We became best of lifelong friends then and for always despite our diverse lifestyles. I miss her so already and can’t believe we won’t meet again here on earth. She was so special to me and I’ll love and miss her always. Just wish we could have had one last hug and time together.

  37. In 2002 I was a graduate intern at NDSU’s Counseling and Disabilities Office and Peggy was the director at that time. Her kindness, encouragement, and friendship helped me in ways that stay with me still. She was a gift!

  38. While volunteering at the Public Library, I met Peggy who was also a volunteer. We had many coffee breaks where I learned what a special woman Peggy was. I feel fortunate to have known her. Her positive outlook and way of expressing it made It such a pleasure to talk to her. I will miss those times.

  39. Peggy was my neighbor and when I moved in she was so welcoming. We immediately connected and it was if we had known each other for much longer. I’m sure many others have felt the same way because of her incredible kindness and warm energy. I will miss you, Peggy.

  40. How I will miss Peggy. She is a part of my earliest childhood memories as my second cousin. Peggy embodied grace, goodness, patience, and kindness. She was an excellent storyteller, had an adventurous spirit, and was a constant source of inspiration. Peggy, your impact on my life will never be forgotten. I love you and will miss you tremendously. I’m thankful that you are now shining with our Lord and Savior.

  41. My prayers and sympathy are with Peggy’s family. May they find consolation in the;ir faith and comfort in their memories as Peggy joins her voice to the choirs of heaven.
    .

  42. Peggy was an amazing and compassionate woman who I worked with NDSU in the 80’s. She was an inspiration to those around her, an angel on earth. Such a delight to walk around campus with her and have some heart to hearts.

  43. We are each of us angels with one wing, and we can only fly embracing each other.
    Love and peace.

  44. Ms. Gaynor was my guidance counselor at The Wheatley School in NY. I remember her as being very kind, an excellent listener, a true professional and very engaging and caring. I witnessed her professionalism in action during a parent/student (me!)/counselor session re college planning. She was very patient with us when we experienced a bit of a father/daughter duel during our first and only meeting. May she Rest In Peace; I was so sorry to learn of her passing.

  45. I had the privilege of having Peggy as my Math teacher for my first 3 years of high school at Marymount High School in St. Louis, MO. It was 1965 and I knew her as Sister Nathaniel. She was a member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. As you can imagine, she was a great teacher and I owe my life-long love of Math to her. When my class of 1969 had a reunion a few years ago, we invited Peggy but she was unable to join us.
    My prayers & sympathy are with Peggy’s family & her many friends. I am sure that she is watching over all of us from heaven. Peggy (Sister Nathaniel) was a wonderful gift to so many people for her entire life. She will be missed.


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