Margaret Rose (Peggy) Strack, age 94, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025 at her daughter’s home in the Indianapolis area.
Peggy was born in England on September 7, 1931, and raised in the London suburb of Teddington. She witnessed World War II and lived through the London Blitz. She often shared vivid stories of life in London during that historic time.
In 1955, Peggy visited her best friend who had emigrated to Indianapolis and she decided to stay. She quickly fell in love with life in the United States and was hired by an insurance company, where she met her future husband, Robert (“Pete”) Strack. Peggy and Pete were married on June 15, 1957, at St. Catherine Catholic Church.
Together, they raised three daughters: Kathy Squillace (Mike), Jeanette Zeldin (Robin), and Chris Strack. Peggy was a devoted Nana to four grandchildren (Kyle, Lindsay, Noah, and Julia) and a proud great-Nana to six (Mason, Peyton, Josephine, June, Roger, and Lyla).
Although she became a U.S. citizen in 1967, Peggy never forgot her English roots. She returned to England as often as she could, ensuring her daughters experienced life there and built close relationships with their nana, grandad, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She maintained a lifelong practice of using English phrases, including “blimey” and “sugarknobs” (her version of swearing).
After Pete’s passing in 1994, Peggy embraced a new chapter of adventure. She traveled widely across Europe and the Middle East—sometimes with friends from England and Indianapolis, sometimes solo—always open to new people and experiences. She fell in love with Italy, visiting many times and even becoming proficient in Italian. She also built a close-knit community of friends, bonding over their shared appreciation for Italian culture.
Peggy lived in her beloved home on the south side of Indianapolis for 56 years, where she found joy in reading, gardening, spending time with friends and family, and especially relaxing on her beautiful wisteria-covered patio. In later years, she loved reminiscing about “the old days”—when the neighborhood was full of kids and laughter.
The family is especially grateful to Chris, who lovingly cared for Peggy in the final phase of her life. They shared many hours watching tennis, a passion they both enjoyed. Roger Federer was Peggy’s favorite player, and she never tired of watching his matches. Chris’s dogs also brought her great comfort and joy, some of the smaller ones sleeping on her lap while she napped, and all of them very appreciative of the snacks she constantly fed them.
Peggy had a long and happy life fully lived, with decades of joy, laughter, resilience, travel and most of all, the love of family and friends. She will be dearly missed.
In keeping with Peggy’s wishes, a private celebration of life will be held with close family and friends. The family appreciates your love and support during this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to Alzheimer’s Association.
14 Responses
Such a beautiful tribute to an amazing person! We met Peg through her daughter, Jeanette, and loved hearing all about her travels and many adventures. She inspired us to travel internationally and made several positive comments to us when she was on FaceBook. We feel very lucky to have known her.
So sorry to hear about Peg’s passing. What a lady!! She lived a very full life. Glad we were a small part of it through Kath and Mike. My best story about Peg was walking into Hubler Chevrolet to buy a car and Peg was there selling cars! She had the gift of gab and how could you say no to Peg Strack? Needless to say we walked out the proud owners of a nice Chevrolet Celebrity Station Wagon!
I am Sharon Stracks mother and I met Peg Strack through family events. We kept in touch by phone and my visits to Indianapolis to meet Winnie Strack. I always enjoyed your mother’s quick wit and her vitality .
Sweet woman and a great story teller,
Rosemarie Houlehan from Cleveland Ohio.
What a beautiful obituary and tribute to Peggy. She certainly had a life well lived and those loved ones who were lucky enough to spend time with her were able to benefit from her experiences. She will be missed by many.
Non dimenticheremo mai la cara Peggy.
Nildo e Daniela, amici dall’Italia.
Peggy and I where best friends and travel companions for a long time. We enjoyed time together visiting the nearby Nashville Indiana to NewYork city, San Francisco, St Petersburg, Tarpoon spring, Chicago. Loved sharing best places in London, Venezia, Verona and Vicenza. She always told me that in a previous life she was an Italian nun. She was an amazing lady that lived an amazing life surrounded by friends and family. We love you Peggy, you wil always be with us in our memories. Sending our love to everyone in the family.
Iam very sorry for your loss of your mom I had very fun and happy times with Peggy over the years I have known her she was a fun and loving person and a lot of different words. I’ve never heard of before. Prayers and hugs for all of you.❤️❤️
I remember Peggy from the Knights of Columbus where Pete was a member. Peggy also helped at Holy Rosary Italian Street Festival. I enjoy her telling of her life in England and all her travels. Peggy had the neatest way of saying my name, Bernard with that English flair.
To Peggy’s daughters:
I came to Indianapolis from England and met your Mum when I worked as a teller for Indiana National Bank during the late 1970’s. I was a guest at one of your weddings in the south side of town.
During WWII your Mum she was evacuated from London twice due to bombing and went to live with relatives in Hebburn near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. During those times she attended a school where my Uncle Frank was a teacher.
Peggy was a wonderful lady, who deserves to be welcomed into Eternal Repose. God bless all of you.
With most sincere sympathy,
Martin Morris
I’ll never forget the kindness and warmth of Peggy, her spirit and comforting smile.
With heartfelt condolences.
Giulia
(Daughter of Claudia Bellin and Galin Adams, friends of Emanuela and Dale)
Hi Kathy, Jeanette, and Chris,
I’ve been thinking about your mom a lot lately, and when I happened to look her up, I saw that she had recently passed away. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
I have such fond memories of your mom from when we were all kids. She was always so kind to me and made me feel welcome every time I came over to play after dinner. She used to laugh and remind me about the first time I knocked on your door and asked, “Do you have any girls I can play with?” That story always made us both chuckle.
I also remember how she and my mom used to walk around the neighborhood together almost every day at such a fast pace!
I’ve thought of her often over the years. Whenever I happened to be back in the neighborhood, I wanted to stop by and say hello but didn’t want to bother her. I regret not doing that now.
My mom passed away in December 2022, at the age of 88, and I like to think that maybe they’ve seen each other again, catching up and taking one of their brisk walks together in heaven.
Thinking of you all and sending my heartfelt sympathy.
Warmly,
Beth
My condolences to the family. Peggy was a pleasure to be around. From the first time I met Peggy she made me welcome in her home. She lived life to the fullest. My she rest in peace 🙏
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was always a joy growing up. Never a cross word from her. Always inviting and warm. Your mom and I had a ongoing relationship via home repairs and painting. Always enjoyed seeing her and her updates on all you kids. May God comfort you in this season of life.
Dear Kathy, Jeanette, and Chris. It was wonderful to be neighbors all those years. Remember waiting for the bus and playing in the woods before it became the shopping center? Virginia remembers she spent many lovely times in Peg’s living room learning about the London Blitz and how they survived WW II. We are thankful for Peg’s long life and your whole family. With sympathy upon losing a great lady, The whole Gale Family from across the street