Peggy Varvandakis Smith, 92, Laramie, died October 25, 2017, at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie, following a brief illness.
She was born in Hanna, Wyoming, to Greek (Cretan) parents and proud new American citizens, Anthony and Evangeline Varvandakis. Overcoming many childhood health obstacles, Peggy was valedictorian of her high school class and, as the first of her family to attend college, graduated in 1948 with a BA in journalism from the University of Wyoming. She excelled as a writer and editor, a remarkable achievement considering the language spoken in the house was exclusively Greek. She served for two years as Assistant Editor for the Wyoming Dept. of Agriculture, and she often used her PR and writing abilities to contribute gratis to the community of Laramie and its organizations.
In 1950, she met and married former WWII soldier, Edgar B. Smith, while both were studying at the University of Wyoming. Married soon after, Peggy and Edgar’s marriage was a match made in heaven and lasted 62 years. Their first children, twins Mark and Laura, were born while Edgar was re-deployed to military service in Korea. Eleven months later, daughter Diane was born and Peggy raised 3 small children by herself in Laramie for almost a year. Son Hugh was born in Denver four years later and daughter Emily back in Laramie three years after that as the family followed Edgar’s career.
Peggy’s outstanding leadership and gracious hospitality over the years made her a consummate “people person.” Raised Greek Orthodox but there being no Orthodox church in Laramie, she was active in the women’s guild of St. Mathews’ Episcopal Church. She was a member of PEO International where she twice served as President of her chapter. She was active in the League of Women Voters and served on the Board of the Cathedral Home for Children for 8 years, a cause for which she was passionate. In addition to raising five children, another of her “labors of love” was being the chief editor of a book on the history of the UW Agricultural Extension Service
Peggy was proud of her Greek heritage, and her frequent hospitality to friends and strangers was widely known. She was strong in her Christian faith, and often told her children, “Have courage, remember who you are.” To say that she’ll be missed is an understatement.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar (2013), daughter, Emily (1991) and all four of her beloved siblings. She is survived by daughter Laura of Laramie, son Mark (Laurie) of Tucson, AZ, daughter, Diane of Cheyenne, son Hugh (Gigi) of Bakersfield, CA., and four grandsons.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM on Friday November 10, with the Very Rev. Stephen Askew of St. Matthews Cathedral officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery with Rev. Presbyter Christopher Xanthos of Holy Apostles Orthodox Christian Church officiating. A reception will follow in the undercroft of St. Mathews Cathedral.
Visitation will be Wednesday Nov. 8 from 3-5 p.m. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book, go to montgomerystryker.com.
Memorials may be made to the Cathedral Home for Children, P.O. Box 520, Laramie, WY.
On behalf of the Marchant family, please accept our condolences on the loss of your dear mother. She and Ed were stalwart friends to our parents who thought very highly of both of them. I personally have happy memories of Peggy from my friendship with Emily. She is now with her beloved in heaven.
Kim and Barbara--Thank you so much for coming to my Mom's funeral--wish we could have talked after, Kim, but i know you had a meeting. Yes, Yoder certainly led the charge on eating at our house--i finally found out why--he was getting tiny TV dinners at home! Best wishes to both of you Sincerely, Mark
Mark and Laura - classmates and friends - so sorry to hear about your Mother. I will always remember the great food that she would serve us when the gang - led by Steve Yoder would drop in!
The staff of Wyoming Public Media send condolences to the family of Peggy V. Smith. We know she will be greatly missed. Her ongoing support of Wyoming Public Radio is greatly appreciated. C. Elrod/Broadcast Assistant
Thanks so much from us! How nice that you took the time to do this.
My sincere condolences to the family. May Gods' promise at Rev 21:4 bring comfort and strength to you during this difficult time.
Thanks so very much
I am so so sorry for your loss and so glade to have been her friend over the last 62 years she was my second mom miss you mom
Thank you our forever family friend, and God bless you and your mom and family