Peggy Howard

It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that our beloved mother, Peggy Linda Howard, of Georgetown, Texas, lost her battle to recurrent cancer on March 9, 2024, at the age of 74. 

Born in Owosso, Michigan, in 1949 to T. Benjamin Howard and Anna Norcross Howard, Peggy grew up on a multi-generational farm located on previously occupied Chippewa/Ojibwe land that they lovingly named “BenAnna Ranch,” with her older sister Elizabeth.  In their youth they diligently attended farm duties and participated in 4H clubs.  She went on to serve as valedictorian in the graduating class of 1967, Morrice Area Schools.

When she was a teen heading off to Michigan State University, Peggy won a national poetry contest that provided an eye opening opportunity to travel across Europe on bicycle, making lifelong friends in the process. While earning her Bachelor’s degree she went on further adventures while touching the lives of others by choosing to complete some student teaching in Guatemala. 

It was just after this period that she met and married Ron Niksich, in East Lansing, Michigan. Their marriage lasted 42 years, during which they raised two daughters, Sarah Veronica and Emily.  Ultimately settling in the Houston, Texas, area, Peggy taught elementary education for many years in Clear Creek ISD.  Her creativity and patience were a match for engaging young minds in kindergarten and guiding them towards a love of learning.

Upon retirement they traveled by RV across North America and Peggy further developed her appreciation for nature through hiking, bird watching, often sharing her appreciation of sunsets and flowers with others through photography. 

A lifelong music lover and piano player, she joined the San Gabriel Chorale upon moving to Sun City in Georgetown, Texas, where she performed challenging and beautiful requiems as a soprano.  Peggy also enjoyed performing musical reviews in the Sun City Follies and dedicated many years to her tennis team, competing in USTA championship tournaments, and making many more beloved and special friendships. Peggy also enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters, bringing along her “GaGa Bag” filled with activities and special surprises to share with them.

Peggy’s final chapter included meeting and marrying Bill Wood with whom she spent the remaining years in joyous, loving companionship.  They were married in the courtyard adjoining the chapel at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, important to them as the venue for their many Chorale concerts. They also belonged to the Sun City Horticulture Club growing vegetables to eat at home, often sharing a surplus with neighbors. Peggy and Bill thoughtfully built a life together that included their many shared interests and fascinating travels.  Peggy’s sense of adventure was the impetus for many of their trips and reminiscent of her very first travels years earlier. 

Peggy will be remembered for her positive attitude, creativity, and kindness to all. She is survived by her husband, William B. Wood (Bill); daughters, Sarah Veronica Niksich, Emily Niksich Laughlin, son-in law Robert Curtis Laughlin, two granddaughters, Hart and Olivia Laughlin; sister, Elizabeth Howard Poe, niece Joanna Poe, sister-in law Judy Wood Moeller, many friends and cousins. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the San Gabriel Chorale PO Box 79, Georgetown, Texas, 78621 or a charity of your choice. A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held at a later date.