Peggy Michelle Smyrnes-Williams

Peggy Michelle Smyrnes-Williams

Passed away on Sunday, October 10th, 2021. Peggy was born on November 22, 1952; the daughter of the late Margie and Michael Smyrnes.  She attended Norwin High School, graduating Salutatorian, while also being a very accomplished concert pianist. Pursuing this passion for music, Peggy went on to Duquesne University to earn a degree in the field.  After teaching music locally for a few years at Baldwin, she returned to Duquesne for law school.  Early in her legal career, Peggy chaired statewide committees on child abuse and neglect as well as the Liberty Bell Award, while also continuing to be involved with music as a member of the ACBA Players. Following her legal career, Peggy reoriented her charitable energy towards the Carnegie Museum of Natural History where she co-chaired events, such as the Gem and Mineral Show and the Hall of the American Indians opening.  Peggy took a break from the CMNH, refocusing her efforts in the arts and healthcare.  She served two terms on the board of Ladies Hospital Aid Society- Montefiore for a total of ten years.  In addition to her work with LHAS, she was also on the board of National Society of Arts and Letters, along with the Great Lakes Regional Metropolitan Opera National Council of Auditions-- where she helped the process of auditioning local singers for the New York competition. She was also on the board of Pittsburgh Symphony Youth Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera Theater and Pittsburgh Festival Theater. Toward the end of her life, Peggy continued to give her time to LHAS- cochairing events to raise money for the University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology while also returning to CMNH as a board director for a couple of years.  Peggy’s love for people and organizing events extended into her home where she where she displayed her astute knowledge of cooking when hosting annual parties.  Peggy loved to travel with her family, especially when it also involved close friends.  She was also active in her church, teaching Sunday school for a few years and being an active member of the choir up until her illness.  Peggy’s wit and intensity will be sorely missed; her unique capacities to welcome others and make connections as well as her indefatigable spirit of solution-making are irreplaceable. Peggy is survived by her beloved husband and son, Dr. Karl Williams and Michael E.C. Williams; she is also survived by her sister Kathleen White and brother in law Eric White. Friends will be received at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, on Thursday, October 14th, 2021, from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00–8:00pm. and Friday 10-11a.m.Funeral services will be officiated by Father Christopher Bender on Friday, October 15th, 2021 at 11:00am, also at St. Nicholas Cathedral. Remembrances in Peggy's name may be made to the Eye & Ear Foundation, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)

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