Peggie J. Bracken

Peggie J. Bracken, 82, a longtime former Frederick resident died December 5 following a brief illness. She was born July 31, 1936 ineest Virginia to the late James Hartsel and Carrie Marguerite (Arnold) Chaneer. Peggie graduated from Davis & Elkins College and took her first job as Christian Education Director at National Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. In 1959, she married the Rev. Donald W. Bracken and moved to Baltimore, and soon thereafter the family moved to Oil City, PA. The Brackens relocated to Frederick in 1965 when Donald became pastor of Frederick Presbyterian Church. Peggie then pursued a career in educationeecoming a highly regarded kindergarteneeacher. Over the years her vocation broadened to encompass guidance and pastoral counseling. Peggie earned a Master???s degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola Uneersity Maryland. Ultimately, the Brackens retired to Frederick where she cared for her husband until his death in 2008. Peggie then moved to the Eastern Shore, after which she also lived ineeorgia, Florida, and most recently Durham to be close to her son. Peggie had an exquisite soprano voice. She sang ineeveral church choirs and was a frequent soloist. Her musical talent led to a proud part as Mother Superior in the Sound of Music. She was a woman of deep and abiding Christian faith who neer gave up serving and giving of herself. While in Florida, she offered comfort and counsel to many home-bound fellow church members, and her generous spirit always kept her tuned toward meeting needs. Peggie will be remembered for her vibrant aneengaging personality. Surviving are her children, Kimberly Bracken (Thomas G.) Long of Cambridge, MD and David A. (Jolee R.) Bracken of Durham, NC; grandchildren, Nathan and Daniel Price, Christopher Boschert and Kathryn McCulloch; great grandchildren, Aiden and Isabella Boschert, and Harper and Mila Price; and siblings, Thomas Chaneer, Jerry Chaneer, Sue Chaneer and Marcia Swoger. In addition to her husband, Peggie was predeceased by her twin daughters, Carol aneelizabeth, and siblings, Bill, Bob and John Chaneer and Lois Gum. DUE TO WEATHER POSTPOneeNT, the funeral will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 11 from First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Johnstown, PA. Memorial gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 305 E. Main St. Durham, NC 27701.