Margaret M Woodard

Margaret M. Woodard (“Peggy”) of Norton, MA, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. 

Peggy was born in Richfield Park, NJ, and grew up in Queens Village, in New York City. Peg raised her family in Norwood, MA where she was an active member of the community. She organized a food co-op, worked on political campaigns, and volunteered with numerous organizations including the Girl Scouts and Meals on Wheels. In addition, she was involved with the Christian Family Movement and the Norwood Ecumenical Council. 

In 1968, she was a contestant on the TV show To Tell the Truth as “The Real Margaret Woodard,” mother of ten children who returned to college. She received an associate’s degree from Northeastern University. 

Avid campers, the family participated in the New England Family Camping Association where they won The Largest Family award for many years.

Peg was an original member of the Women’s Health Initiative which began in 1991 and continued as a participant until her death. 

She and her husband George enjoyed traveling around the country in their RV. She also traveled to Mexico, Europe and, in her 80’s, she finally went on a safari in Africa, which was a dream of hers since she was a teenager. In 2014, she wrote her memoir, Life is a Series of Moments. 

Peg lived an extraordinary 98 years full of spirit, challenge, determination and love. She leaves us with a legacy of her love of learning and adventure, boundless curiosity and can-do attitude.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Mark Woodard (Mary) of Stuart, FL and Norwood, MA, Gail Woodard (late Robert Barnhill) of Sonoita, AZ, Paul Woodard (Carol-Ane) of Foxboro, MA, Jeani Warish (George) of Taunton, MA, Clare Helling (Michael) of Sioux Falls, SD, Brian Woodard (Erin) of Wareham, MA, Mary Joan Loughnane (Michael) of Manassas, VA, John Woodard (Debra) of Rehoboth, MA and Betsy Branagan (Robert) of Rehoboth, MA. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. 

Peg was preceded in death by her first husband, Gerald Schaeffer, her second husband, George A. Woodard, their daughter, Anne and their granddaughter, Rachel Branagan.

A wake will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at J.H. Williams & Co Funeral Home, 210 Taunton Ave., East Providence, RI 02914. Masks preferred. Services will be private. Donations may be made to Heifer International, Habitat for Humanity or a charity of your choice. 

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