Peggy was born in Old Saybrook, Connecticut and grew up in a family run hotel. She loved being around people throughout her life. Peggy married Charlie King and stayed at home raising their six children. In 1989, after Charlie retired, they moved to Chincoteague. While looking at a townhouse overlooking the Assateague Channel, as Peggy described the moment, "I saw skimmers over the water and ponies against the backdrop of the Assateague Lighthouse, I fell in love with the place."

Because of her love of wildlife and people, Peggy became refuge volunteer in 1996. She was dedicated to the Marine Debris Study for four years, helped with the Annual Beach Cleanups, and staffed the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center. When speaking with Peggy for the November's "Get to Know your Fellow Volunteers", she was such a joy to talk to and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn more about her life. She exclaimed "I started volunteering at the old visitor center and now I volunteer at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center. It is such a joy to come and work at such a beautiful facility, everywhere you look you see nature, it makes for an uplifting day. I like the way the building is weathering, as if it is fainting into the environment."

Peggy painted beautiful artwork of watercolors. She was a member of Saint Mary's Episcopal Church and volunteered at the church's Child Care Center.

Peggy will be greatly missed by the refuge staff and fellow volunteers. Her spirit will live forever in our hearts and her contributions will continue to be seen as we enjoy the refuge.

By Geralyn Mireles
Wildlife Refuge Specialist