Peggy Ann Bedingfield Sullivan Morrissey of Newark, died January 13, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Lancaster, PA, only child of Charles H. Bedingfield (deceased ’94) and Madge E. Meacham Bedingfield (deceased ’99).
Her loving husband, Joseph J. Morrissey, whom she met in 1999, survives Peggy. They shared a wonderful & caring marriage of 10 years and he was her best friend. Having been on their own for so many years, it was a blessing to have found each other. Their fabulous years together were filled with family, friends, travel & following their favorite sports teams the Newark Yellow Jacks, UD Blue Hens and the Philadelphia Phillies. Peggy also loved to care for animals, in particular those owned by her daughter.
In addition to her husband she leaves behind her beloved daughter Paige Sullivan and grandson Ryne Charles Allen of Middletown, with whom she shared a cherished closeness. Peggy felt that Joe, Paige and Ryne were the loves of her life, blessing her with much happiness. She is also survived by Joe’s children, Tim Morrissey and Megan Morrissey, both of New Castle, in addition to numerous cousins & friends, some of whom she has known for over 50 years.
Peggy graduated from Newark High School in 1967 and the University of Delaware in 1971 and continued to be involved in volunteer activities for both throughout her life. She served on many reunion committees and on the Board of Directors of Newark High School’s Alumni Association, and was the Commencement Speaker in 1995. Alumni volunteer activities at the University included her involvement with class reunions and also Secretary of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
At the University of Delaware, she served as a student leader in many capacities including Secretary and Senator of the Student Government Association, student representative to the Faculty Senate, and as a member of many student/administrator/faculty committees. Also at the University, she had enjoyed a professional career of 15 years where she served as Associate Director of Alumni Relations and also as a Conference Specialist at John M. Clayton Hall.
When she left the University in 1994, to assist her widowed mother, Peggy concentrated on multiple volunteer activities. Previously, these included: Phase II Campaign Chair for the Newark Senior Center, a member of the Campaign Cabinet for the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame, a member of the Newark Unit’s Board for the American Cancer Society, numerous political campaigns and was a member of the Newark Lions Club. In May of 2000, Peggy’s volunteer efforts were recognized when she received the University of Delaware Women’s Club Woman of the Year award. Currently, she was a Blue Coat volunteer at Christiana Hospital with the Mended Hearts program.
One of the projects closest to her heart was the Delaware Blue-Gold All*Star Football Game, benefiting DFRC. She was a member of that committee from 1983-2001, served as a Trustee on the Board of Directors and was chairperson of the game in 1991 & 1997.
A Memorial Service, in celebration of her life, will be held on Saturday January 21st at the First Presbyterian Church of Newark, 292 West Main Street.
Visitation with the family will be held from 10 am until Noon w/the service to follow immediately. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Newark High School Alumni Association, the World Wildlife Fund, the Sierra Club, the DFRC (the Blue-Gold All*Star Football Game) or to the Ryne Charles Allen Educational Trust, c/o R.T. Foard and Jones, Inc., 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711 .