Peggy Joyce McCarthy , 72, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at her home at 6:57 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Born in Columbia City, Indiana, on March 14, 1952, she was a daughter of the late Herbert and Dorothy Joan (Best) Weigold.  Growing up in the Wolf Lake area, she graduated from Central Noble High School in 1970.  She went on to St. Francis University, Fort Wayne, and completed a Bachelor of Arts in English from IPFW, Fort Wayne.  She served as an au pair for four different families in Europe, including Belgium, England, and Italy.

Returning to the U.S., she lived in New Jersey for 11 years, before returning to the area. She had worked for Lincoln Life, Fort Wayne, and from 1991 to 1997 was the director of Little Learners preschool in Columbia City.  She completed her work career with Stumps Printing in South Whitley with 15 years of service.  Through the years, Peggy was a member of Ploughshares, reviewing and grading literature submitted for publication.  She also served at the Peabody Public Library in the children's library.

She married Kerry William McCarthy on July 13, 2003, and they have always lived in Columbia City.

Using her education in English, she wrote four novels. She loved to dance, participating in many styles, including two-step and rock-n-roll.  A talented artist, she liked painting watercolors and pencil sketches. At home, she enjoyed gardening and singing, recording some of her songs.

Surviving is her husband, Kerry; her children, Daniel Frioli of South Whitley and Katherine (Jonathan) Light of Fairhope, AR; grandchildren Broderick and Gabriel Light; and a sister, Sally (Dana) Charette of Acton, CA.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by brothers John and Brian Weigold.

Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with the funeral service at 7 p.m.

Memorials in Peggy's honor are to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana or the Thorncreek Bethel Church of God.