Margaret (Peggy) Ward Rak, died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on February 4, 2025, in Mount Vernon, WA, at the age of 87.

Peggy was born on December 20, 1937, in New York City, to Michael and Katherine (Hannon) Ward. She attended Saint Lawrence Academy High School and graduated from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in 1959 with a BS in Chemistry. Peggy married Edward John Rak in 1959 and they moved to Vernon, CT in 1960, where together they raised their five children.

When her children were school aged, Peggy resumed her chemistry studies, then worked part-time as a legal assistant, and eventually began her career as a computer professional with IBM. Peggy loved supporting educators with the introduction of technology into the classroom and ultimately started her own company, Technology for Teachers, to further that vision.

A woman who thrived on change, she called many states home, including New York, Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina, and Washington. No matter where she lived, Peggy cared deeply for her community. She loved to volunteer, whether by collecting water quality data, helping local school children with reading and math, or raising a Labrador retriever puppy (who she proudly noted went on to a distinguished career as a professional service dog)

Peggy was an insatiably curious soul who always had a spot in her heart for the underdog. She was also a "big picture" thinker who saw herself in the context of a larger world, always ready to help if she could. She had a remarkable capacity in her interactions with loved ones to make each person feel respected, cherished, and deserving of attention.

Peggy also believed in challenging societal norms and the status quo. She was especially passionate about the power of education to lift up all people, regardless of background. She encouraged young people, including her grandchildren, to dream big and go after their goals. She delighted in their accomplishments, celebrated their wins, and supported them when they faced obstacles. But as much as she celebrated achievements, it was more important to her that they be compassionate, hard-working, and kind souls, and that they use their gifts to help others and strive to make the world a better place.

Peggy had many hobbies. She loved to knit and weave. Many delighted in the scarves, sweaters, stockings and hats she created, some made from the wool from the sheep she had raised on her farm in North Carolina. She also was a voracious reader of audio books, and did the New York Times crossword puzzle, in pen, every day. Her lifelong interest in technology made her the quintessential "early adopter," always excited to try out the latest advances to hit the market. In her later years, as her physical strength began to decline, she busied her formidable mind on acquiring, setting up, and programming a household full of tools and systems that let her keep as much independence as she could.

Peggy is survived by her children: Ed Rak (Lise) of Los Altos, CA, Ellen Rak (Bill Dunlap) of Mount Vernon WA, Betty Lamp (Steve) of Richmond, VA, Marijean Rak of Mount Vernon, WA, and Stephen Rak (Victoria Hansen) of New York, NY; her grandchildren: Kathryn (Nii Akwei Adoteye) and Michael (Anna) Lamp, Alexander and Adam (Cassandra Rossi) Dunlap, and Jae, John, Lucy and Charles Rak; her sisters: Claire McCarthy of Belle Mead, NJ, Monica Alcalde of Chandler, AZ, and Maureen Brennan of Unionville, CT; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Michael Ward and sister Janet Duley.

A memorial service will be scheduled in Unionville, Connecticut later this spring.