Margaret Smith Ingram, 95, of Woodbine, New Jersey, died in her sleep on February 9, 2014 at the home she shared with her daughter, Patricia Harris. Born on November 7, 1918, in Baltimore, Maryland, Peggy was the daughter of Ernest Lemuel and Margaret Parry Smith. She grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, graduated from Pierre S. DuPont High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Delaware. During World War II she worked for the Atlas Powder Company.

On June 13, 1942, she married Dr. Albert Lester Ingram, Jr., who served in the US Navy as a ship’s doctor during World War II. Following the war, they settled in Wilmington, Delaware, where they raised their three children, Bonnie, Patricia, and Albert Lester Ingram, III. Peggy’s priority always was to create a family home which was a sanctuary of love, learning and support for her husband and children. Her home was filled with books and nurturance of body and spirit for all who came to visit or to stay. She was active as the Mariner Scout leader for Troop 157 for both of her daughters. In 1972, Peggy was honored by the YWCA’s Wilmington Center for her commitment to the Elimination of Racism in that organization.

In 1963, while her husband served as Director of the University Health Service for Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA, Peggy established a warm and welcoming home there and also volunteered in the Hospital Auxiliary, organizing events such as the Centre County Horse Show to raise money for hospital needs. She received the Benjamin Rush Award for outstanding work at the hospital. Peggy also served as an officer of the State College branch of the American Association of University Women.

During this time, Peggy was an occasional columnist for the Centre Daily Times. In one article, titled “Grandparenting Can Restore Faith,” she wrote of the joys of being a grandmother. “Grandmothering makes all kinds of interesting, exciting, adventurous days possible again just when you were beginning to fear that they were gone forever. All by yourself, as a dignified, elderly lady, you might feel ever so foolish exploring a cave but not at all with a grandchild by your side…It is most acceptable and lots of fun to dodge the shells of battle in the trenches at the Boalsburg Military Museum with that small companion leading the way. Can you imagine getting away with that in your fifties without a grandchild to justify your enjoyment?”

In 1979, with children all grown, Al and Peggy moved to Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Peggy was active there in the Hospital Auxiliary as well as the Garden Club. She created a successful annual Christmas Wreath Sale, which continues to this day, to raise money for the hospital. And, again, Peggy established a home in which their many friends and family found sanctuary and friendship.

Peggy is survived by her three children, Bonnie Pooley of Bethel ME, Patricia Harris of Tuckahoe NJ, and Chip Ingram of Kent OH; four grandchildren, Kenneth Pooley of Yarmouth ME, Brian Trostle of Ocean View NJ, Jo Trostle of Hollywood CA, and Seth Ingram of Kent OH; four great grandchildren, Mackenzie and Channing Pooley of Yarmouth ME, Marissa and Heather Trostle of Ocean View NJ.

A celebration of Peggy’s long and fruitful life will be held this spring at Grace Episcopal Church near Wilmington, Delaware, for family and friends. Interment will be at that time. The family welcomes contributions in memory of Peggy Ingram to Hospice in recognition of the thoughtful and dedicated care she and Patricia received when it was most needed. Most importantly, Peggy’s children hope that all who remember Peggy will carry on her devotion to family and community.