Margaret H. Wirtz

Margaret Peggy Wirtz of Knoxville, Tennessee, born October 12, 1940, died on Friday, October 10, 2008, in Maryville, Tennessee. She is survived by her husband, Dick Wirtz, of Knoxville, Tennessee; her daughters and son-in-law, Liza Q. Wirtz of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Margy Wirtz-Henry and Scott Henry of Knoxville, Tennessee; her sisters, Pat Livingston of Tampa, Florida, and Mary Collachi of Auburn, NY; and her caregivers, Judy and Sharkey Chambers and their family and Debbie Garibay, all of Maryville. Peggy worked for more than twenty years for the Knoxville-Knox County Office on Aging, where she served as an invaluable resource to the community's families in need of assistance with caring for their aging loved ones. Her service there included frequent appearances on Live at Five on WBIR, the annual Aging: A Family Affair conference, the Senior Services Directory, and helping to bring together interfaith resources to meet the challenges of the aging population. Her other contributions to the local community included serving as chair of the Citizens for Better Schools, participation in one of the first classes of Leadership Knoxville, and dedicated membership in the Catholic community of John XXIII University Parish. Peggy's characteristic compassion, enthusiasm, and interest in people touched all who met her. Our loss is exceeded only by our love for her. We are grateful that she has finally reached the end of her long struggle and moved on to the next great adventure. A funeral mass for Peggy will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 10 a.m. at John XXIII University Parish at 1710 Melrose Place, Knoxville, Tennessee 37916. A memorial gathering will follow beginning at 12 noon at the home of Margy and Scott at 3419 Peachwood Road, Knoxville, Tennessee 37921. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Peggy's memory to John XXIII University Parish at the address listed above. Arrangements are by Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Margaret H. Wirtz please visit our Sympathy Store.