Margaret “Peggy” Beck

Margaret “Peggy” Beck, 87, of East Jordan, died Friday, June 21, 2024, at McLaren Hospital in Petoskey.

 She was born on January 11, 1937, in Ferndale, Michigan, the daughter of Armstrong H. and Catherine M. (Fleming) Kolb.

 Peggy graduated from Lincoln High School, Warren in 1955.  

She earned her Associates degree from Northern Virginia Community College in 1977 and in 1979, she earned a Bachelor of Music and Music Education degrees from American University in Washington, D.C..

 She retired after 20 years as a tenured member of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' Opera House Orchestra. While living in Washington, she also did extensive work as a freelance musician and was a performing member of the FridayMorning Music Club. 

 She had also performed with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, Marquette Symphony Orchestra and Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra.

 Peggy was a member of the Gailliard String Quartet, formed in 1995. Gailliard, which means carefree and joyful in French.  Peggy had said, "Children are a priority for the Gailliard String Quartet. We want to help them discover their own unique talent, their own special gift to make music.”

 Peggy was also the owner/operator of Great Hill Herbs near East Jordan.  She also was a board member of the East Jordan Health Center.

 She is survived by her son, Eric Beck of East Jordan; daughter Beth Anne (Robert) Lockwood of Madison, Virginia; three grandchildren, Nicholle Haigler, Skylar Haigler and Robby Haigler; and four great grandchildren, Emma Lynn Haigler, Asher Haigler, Matthew Haigler and Amber Wren Haigler.  Peggy was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Ellen Marxer.

  A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at the Lighthouse Missionary Church at 7824 Rogers Rd, East Jordan, Miichigan.

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