Long-time Mount Dora resident Margaret Virginia Curtis, known to most as "Peggy," passed away on January 28, 2014 at the age of 91. A Marine wife to Master Sergeant Wade David "Dave" Curtis, a 33-year veteran of the Marine Corps who preceded her in death two years ago, Peggy was mom to six children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Born in White Plains, NY, Peggy moved to France at the age of three where she lived until 1939, when her family returned to Mount Dora, where they had property. She graduated from Mount Dora High and attended Rosemont College as an English major. Post-graduation she worked as an operator for Bell Telephone until she met a handsome Marine sergeant who swept her off her feet.

As a Marine wife Peggy and her growing family made their home on various Marine bases including Paris Island and Camp Pendleton. Upon Dave's retirement from the Corps in 1969, the family settled at last on McDonald Street in Mount Dora.

Peggy's Mount Dora years were filled with activity. While continuing to raise her family, Peggy also worked with Dave at the popular Peppermint Stick restaurant, which they owned and operated, and which is still remembered fondly by locals of a certain age. She was instrumental in the founding of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and was sacristan there for many years, as well as serving in various ministries. She was an officer of The King's Daughters, a local charity organization that distributed various forms of relief for local needy families.

Peggy twice served on the Mount Dora City Council, and served one term as Vice-Mayor. She played a part in many projects that have served to make Mount Dora the vital thriving community that it is today.

Peggy Curtis was a woman of strong convictions and dedicated to principles of community responsibility and community service. She will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to know her.