Margaret "Peggy" (Boyle) McDermott

BENTONVILLE, AR - Margaret “Peggy” M. McDermott, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at The Meadows Independent and Assisted Living Community in Bentonville, Arkansas, surrounded by the love of her family. She was preceded by her husband Robert B. McDermott, 67 years.

Peggy was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Martin and Margaret (Boyle) McDermott. She spent most of her life in Central Massachusetts before moving to Arkansas three years ago to be closer to family.

Peggy dedicated her professional life to helping others. She graduated from Worcester State College in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in education and later earned her master’s degree there as well. For 28 years, she served as a high school special education teacher and eventually as a special education supervisor. Her commitment to her students reflected one of the qualities that defined her throughout her life—her genuine concern for others and her desire to help people reach their fullest potential.

While Peggy was proud of her career, her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and great-grandmother who cherished the time she spent with the people she loved.

She leaves behind her children, Patricia Chapman and her husband, Scott, of Bella Vista, Arkansas; Robert McDermott, Jr., and his wife, Cynthia, of Mercer, Maine; and Timothy McDermott and his wife, Sharon, of Durham, Connecticut. She is also survived by her sister, Eileen Boyle Gerrits and her husband, Gerald, of The Villages, Florida, and her sister-in-law, Beverly McDermott Gallagher and her husband, Thomas Gallagher, of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Peggy’s five grandchildren—Meghan Miller and her husband, Ryan, of Centerton, Arkansas; Caitlin Campbell and her husband, Christopher, of Springdale, Arkansas; Kyle McDermott of Nashua, New Hampshire; and Timothy McDermott and Taylor McDermott of Durham, Connecticut—brought tremendous happiness and pride to her life.

She was especially blessed to know and loved her three great-granddaughters, Olivia Miller, Harper Miller, and Ava Campbell. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will carry fond memories of her with them.

To her children, she was Mom. She was the person who helped shape who we became and whose love and guidance stayed with us throughout our lives. She taught us the importance of family, hard work, kindness, and caring for others. Although we each have our own memories of Mom, we share the same deep gratitude for having had her in our lives.

To her grandchildren, Grandma/Nana was someone special. She was a source of love, family traditions, stories, and memories that will stay with us throughout our lives. She took pride in each of us and celebrated our accomplishments. We knew that being part of her family was something she treasured.

And to her great-granddaughters, Olivia, Harper, and Ava, she was known as Mimi Peg and was a special connection between generations. Although they may be young, they will grow up knowing the woman who came before them and the love she had for her family

Peggy will be remembered not only for the years she devoted to educating and helping others, but for the love she gave so freely to her family. Her kindness, strength, compassion, and devotion will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family can find comfort in knowing that her love and the memories she created will remain with them always.

A life well lived. A heart deeply loved. A mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will never be forgotten.

Family and friends will gather to honor Peggy’s memory at Calling Hours from 9:30 – 11:30 AM on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 noon at St. Columba Parish, 12 Richards Road, Paxton. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester.  Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Meadows Independent and Assisted Living Community, Attention: Megan, 2300 SE 28th Street, Bentonville, AR 72712.