Margaret Mary "Peggy McAlerney" Larsen

Margaret "Peggy" Larsen, 94, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Seattle, Washington on August 12, 1931, Peggy was the sixth of seven children in a proud Irish immigrant family. She graduated from Seattle University in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and later earned a Master's Degree in Guidance Counseling from the University of Washington. Peggy devoted more than 40 years to education, beginning her career at Shorewood Elementary School in Burien, Washington, where her compassion and dedication left a lasting impact on countless students and families.

In 1961, she married John Larsen, a young Naval Officer, and together they raised three children—Ann, Rosemarie, and Timothy—through many moves across the country and abroad. Peggy created a loving, faith-filled home for her family wherever the Navy took them, offering stability, tradition, and warmth. After retiring to San Diego, California, she continued her commitment to service by volunteering with an adult literacy program. A devoted parishioner at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, she cherished her community there. In 2017, she moved to Missouri to be closer to family, embracing the change with grace and enthusiasm.

Peggy will be remembered for her strong Catholic faith, her generous heart, and the joy she brought to those around her. She leaves a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family. She was the beloved wife of the late John Thomas Larsen and is survived by her daughter Ann (John) Quattrone and grandchildren Daniel (Summer) Quattrone and Robert (Alex) Quattrone; her daughter Rosemarie (Matthew) Hamilton of Wentzville, Missouri, and grandchildren Katie Hamilton and Betty Hamilton; her son Timothy (Tina) Larsen and grandchildren Daniel Larsen, Patrick (Erika) Larsen, and Thomas Larsen; one great-grandchild, Beau Larsen; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Elizabeth McAlerney (née Kempson), and her siblings Alice McCullough, Kathleen McNerthney, Matthew McAlerney, James McAlerney, Elizabeth Coger, and John McAlerney.