Margaret Ann "Peggy" Simpson Reed, 64, of Ronsanne Pkwy. in Asheville , died Friday, Oct. 17th at John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center.

     Born Dec. 12, 1944, in Asheville to James G. and Emily Hawkins Simpson, Peggy attended St. Genevieve of-the-Pines from kindergarten through the 12th grade.  She won a full scholarship to the school's Academy, graduating with honors in the Class of 1962, after which she attended the School of Secretaries there.

     During the 1960's and 1970's she was employed as a secretary in the Humanities Dept. at UNCA, and led local groups on university-sponsored tours of England and Italy.  During these years she was also active in the cultural life of the community.  Blessed with a beautiful soprano singing voice, she studied with Dr. Frank Edwinn. She was a frequent soloist in Asheville churches and active in Asheville Community Theater both backstage and in singing roles onstage.

     In 1979 Peggy married Dr. Richard Reed of Asheville and in the following years his career in college administration took them to several locations in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.  She worked for Hershey Entertainment Corp. in Hershey, PA and for The Springfield Museums in Springfield, MA.  At the time of her husband's death in 1994 she was employed as an administrative assistant for the Burrough of Wyomissing, PA, where she remained until her retirement in 2006.  Peggy then returned to her hometown of Asheville to a welcoming circle of family and friends.

     Peggy's creativity and independent spirit were expressed through her love of music, travel, entertaining and surrounding herself with beautiful things.  She was a loving daughter and wife, devoted sister and sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and niece.  Among her friends, Jo Ann Edwinn of Asheville and Pat Johnson of Pennsylvania were of special importance in her life.

     She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her uncle Bill Simpson, aunt Allie Louise "Booty" Roberts and cousin Jack Roberts III.  She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Carol and Gary Rowe of Asheville, nephews "Jamie" Rowe of Los Angeles, CA. and David Rowe and wife Christina of Athens, Ga., her cousin Sandra Simpson of Asheville, aunt Janette Saunders of Pisgah Manor Retirement Community and cousin Glenda Patterson and husband Dan of Candler.

     The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30pm on Monday, October 20, 2008 at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC. A memorial service will be held for Peggy at a later date.

     The family requests that contributions be sent to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Buncombe/Henderson Counties at 50 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, N.C. 28801 so that others may experience the joys of having a big sister.

     Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Condolences may be sent through the website at www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com.