(nee Hugunin) Born to Eternal Life surrounded by her family on April 28, 2026, at the age of 73. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, whose life was defined by a deep devotion to her family, an unwavering Christian faith, and committed service to the Catholic Church through liturgical and music ministry.
Peggy was born on December 31, 1952, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1971 and Carthage College in 1974, with a bachelor’s degree in music.
Peggy met her future husband, Bill, in high school. They dated throughout high school and college and were married on June 21, 1975, after Bill graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy. They then spent 13 years on various Air Force assignments before returning to Wisconsin in 1988 when Bill joined the law firm of Whyte Hirschboeck (now Husch Blackwell).
During their years in the Air Force, Peggy embraced the role and challenges of a military spouse. She anchored the family through frequent moves, willingly making sacrifices to ease each transition. At every assignment, she built community, formed lasting friendships, and continued her music ministry.
Peggy’s music ministry began in grade school at St. Mary Catholic Church in Kenosha. She took extensive piano and organ lessons from the School Sisters and began playing the organ at Masses in the sixth grade. Over the course of her career, Peggy taught music or served as choir director at many parishes, including St. Mary and St. Mark Churches in Kenosha; Immaculate Conception and Holy Cross Churches in Milwaukee; All Saints Church and McConnell Air Force Base Catholic Chapel in Wichita, Kansas; Little Rock Air Force Base Catholic Chapel in Little Rock, Arkansas; and Mary Help of Christians Church in Fairborn, Ohio.
Upon returning to Wisconsin in 1988, Peggy became the Director of Music and Liturgy at Lumen Christi Church (formerly St. James Church) in Mequon, which she served for 32 years. She played an essential role in the worship life of the parish. Peggy planned beautiful liturgies, organized liturgical celebrations, and directed choirs, cantors and musicians. An accomplished organist and pianist, she often accompanied her choirs while directing. Peggy touched all who knew her with kindness. Spiritual, creative, and attentive to detail, she brought beauty, care, and joy to each Sacramental celebration. She had a special gift for supporting families grieving the loss of loved ones, offering gentle guidance and compassion as she helped them plan funerals.
In addition to her work as Director of Music and Liturgy, Peggy served on the Board of St. Francis de Sales Seminary and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Synod Preparation and Implementation Committees. In 2015, she received the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Vatican II Award for her service in liturgy to the Catholic Church.
More than anything, Peggy loved her family. She dedicated herself as a mother and loving grandmother to her 11 grandchildren. She wove her faith into the fabric of their lives and cherished the times she spent with each of them. She enjoyed helping with school projects, encouraging their faith, and supporting them at dance recitals, school concerts, sporting events, and other activities. She was rarely far from a craft or thoughtful project to enjoy with them. Whether offering guidance, sharing her gifts, or simply being present, she took great joy in watching each of them grow.
Peggy is survived by Bill, her beloved husband for over 50 years; her children William (Laura) Hughes, Elizabeth (Joe) Moritz, Kristine Hughes, and Kimberly (Tim) Shea; her grandchildren William, John, George and Anne Hughes, Patrick and James Moritz, Samantha and Jack Forrer, and Molly, Maddy and Michael Shea; and her sister Kathy Viola. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Helen Hugunin, parents-in-law William and Grace Hughes, sister-in-law Kathleen Murry, and brother-in-law Randy Viola.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2750 W. Mequon Road, Mequon, from 9:30 AM until Noon, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Noon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lumen Christi Catholic Church.
