Peggy Louise Core

Peggy was born on January 30, 1931, in Louisville, Tennessee, to John Lewis Jeffries and Helen Myrtle Yearout Jeffries. From an early age, she demonstrated a natural curiosity and a lifelong love of learning, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class in 1949.

In 1950, she married Gordon Lonnie Core, beginning a remarkable partnership that would span 76 years. Together they raised three children and built a life filled with family, friendship, and shared experiences.

Peggy was, in many ways, a woman ahead of her time. Blessed with a sharp mind, quiet confidence, and strong opinions she rarely felt the need to express, she possessed the determination and ability to succeed in whatever she chose to pursue. After raising her three children, she returned to college, graduating from Arizona State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She went on to work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist at Scottsdale Memorial Hospital for nearly 25 years, building a career that reflected both her abilities and her dedication to her profession.

An avid reader throughout her life, Peggy had a particular passion for history and biographies, especially anything involving English royalty. She loved music and great films and appreciated the stories, ideas, and people that shaped the world. She possessed a keen understanding of people, a subtle sense of humor, and a quiet wit that often revealed more than a lengthy conversation ever could.

Peggy and Gordon especially enjoyed spending summers at their second home in Pinetop, Arizona, where they created lasting memories with family and friends.

Above all, Peggy loved her family deeply, though she was never one to make a grand display of it. Her affection was expressed in the quiet things she did for those she loved, often without recognition or expectation of anything in return. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, independence, wisdom, and a lifetime of small kindnesses that spoke louder than words.

Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gordon Lonnie Core, who passed away on June 15, 2026.

She is survived by her daughters, Sandy Hart and Debi Benner; her son, Michael Core (LeeAnn); her grandchildren, Jesse Hart (Katie), Bethany Hart-Loya (Todd), Danielle Gregorich (Steve), and Colin Core (Julie); her great-grandchildren, Jackson, Aidan, Rylan, Brielle, Blake, and Lucy; and her beloved dog, CeeCee.

Services will be announced at a later date.