Peggy L Shults

Peggy lived a long and interesting life. She was born in 1929 in Philadelphia, the youngest of 8 children. Her childhood years were impacted by the onset of the Great Depression. Her family was close-knit, and they helped one another in the difficult economic times. In her youth, Peggy developed a great love of the movies, something she carried throughout her life. Her favorite movie was “Gone With the Wind,” which she viewed countless times. Peggy was known to be an excellent dancer. Back in the time when there were local dances at social venues, women had dance cards to reserve a dance for the interested partner. Peggy’s dance card always filled up quickly.

The center of her life was always her family, having helped raise 10 children. She was married twice, to Thaddeus Ludwiczak Sr. and to Richard Shults Sr. Widowed at 38 years old by her first husband, she had had 4 children: Thaddeus Jr., Christine, Rita, and Amy. After marrying Dick Shults, 6 more children would be added to her family: Sandra, Deborah, Richard Jr., Margaret, Robert, and Joseph.

She was able to navigate the challenge of having so many children around all the time and worked hard at raising them with the greatest love. Peggy encouraged her children to attend college and all of them did with help from both Dick and Peggy.

Many people move just a few times in their lifetimes, but Peggy moved 20 times! She was married in Philadelphia in 1950 and in 1960 moved to Cherry Hill New Jersey. By that time there had already been 6 moves. With her second marriage, retirement, and widowhood there would be yet another 13 moves.

Peggy’s retirement with Dick was in Florida. When her husband developed dementia, Peggy lovingly cared for Dick in their home for the 7 year duration.

Peggy’s final destination was Austin, Texas, where she enjoyed her last 17 years with her daughters Rita and Christine.

Peggy loved to be with people. One of her great interests was playing bridge. At the bridge table she had a chance to meet and befriend others wherever she lived. Another strong interest was reading. She always had a book at hand.

Her family was everything, not only her children but also her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She cherished hearing from them by phone, greeting card and personal visit. Her wall was filled with the many cards and well-wishes that people sent her. And she rarely missed an opportunity to attend the major life events in their lives such as graduations, weddings, births and reunions.

Peggy was very much loved by her caretakers in the Arbor Terrace community as well as the care team of Hospice Austin because of her welcoming and loving spirit. She is survived by all 10 of her children, 21 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren.

Gifts in Honor of Peggy L. Shults may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org)and Hospice Austin (hospiceaustin.org)