Margaret "Peg" Alice DesCamps

Margaret “Peg” Alice DesCamps, 103, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away on March 8, 2023, thirteen days before her 104th birthday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Aberdeen, with Father Gregory Tschakert officiating. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow Mass at the parish hall.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel with a 7 p.m. liturgical wake.

Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Westport, SD, at a later date.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and also view the service at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Peg was born to Fred and Margaret (Vaughn) Walker of Barnard, SD on March 21, 1919. She enjoyed her childhood on the family farm with sisters Elizabeth and Isabel and brothers Richard, Allan, Vaughn, and William. During her years at Barnard school, Peg excelled academically and participated in declamatory contests.  A young John DesCamps sat behind her in algebra class, and that is where he won her heart. They married on October 14, 1939.

Peg was grateful to John for sharing his Catholic faith with her, and she joined the Church in April of 1940. Her faith would continue to be her guiding light throughout her life. Peg and John first lived together in a small home east of Barnard and then in the fall of 1941 they moved to the farm, also east of Barnard, where they raised their family: daughters Sharon, Kathleen “Kay,” and Sally and son William “Bill.” At that time, little was known about the RH factor in Peg’s blood, making her blood incompatible with some blood types, and five other children tragically perished just a few days after their births: John, Richard, Michael, Mary Alice, and Julie Ann.

It was on the farm that Peg developed her green thumb, and she cultivated vast vegetable and flower gardens. She also sewed her own stylish clothes.

In 1968, Peg began working as a unit secretary at St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, where she made many lifelong friends. After 21 rewarding years, she retired from St. Luke's in 1989.

Peg was always active in the community, serving as a 4-H leader and as PTA President at Barnard and of District 8. She helped to found many other PTAs. Much of her community involvement was through the Church. Peg was President of the Westport Church Altar Society several times and enjoyed being a CCD leader and teacher for many years. Later in Aberdeen, Peg was a member of St. Mary’s prayer line and proudly supported Roncalli Schools.

In early 1991, Peg and John moved to Frederick where they were happy to be a block away from their son Bill’s family. John’s leg had been amputated in 1990, and Peg devoted herself to his care. After John’s death, she moved to Aberdeen in 2001 where Bill’s family had also moved.

Many know Peg as an enthusiastic and talented cook. Her family looked forward to her pot roast, homemade rolls, and incredible pies. Her cinnamon rolls are legendary, and Peg shared generously with friends, family, and those who were grieving.

Left to mourn are daughters Kathleen “Kay” Miesen and Sally (Paul) Tafoya; brothers Richard and Allan Walker; daughter-in-law Rose DesCamps; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and many loving friends and extended family. They will remember Peg when gathered together around a satisfying meal, exchanging stories and sharing laughs.

Peg is preceded in death by her husband John DesCamps; brothers Vaughn Walker and Bill Walker; sisters Elizabeth Crogan and Isabel Haywood; sons John, Richard, Michael, and Bill, daughters Mary, Julie, and Sharon; and, being nearly 104, many other family and friends.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy: 7-8.

Peg’s family requests that memorials be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Aberdeen.

www.schriversmemorial.com

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