Obituary: Margaret “Peg” Noonan
WELLS — Margaret Mary "Peg" Noonan, an educator whose passion for teaching spanned more than four decades across three states, died Friday, June 5, at her home here. She was 82.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Noonan was the daughter of Theodore M. and Laura S. (Wastila) DuVarney. She grew up in West Boylston, Massachusetts, and graduated from West Boylston High School before earning her degree from Worcester State College.
Her career in education began in the West Boylston public schools, where she taught for 10 years. She later lived in Boylston, Massachusetts, where she was deeply woven into the fabric of the community. Noonan was a member of the St. Mary of the Hills Church Sodality, the Boylston Historical Society, and the Auxiliary of the Capt. Robert Andrews Militia.
In 1977, Noonan and her husband, William, relocated to Round Rock, Texas, following his job with IBM to the Austin area. She continued her teaching career for 27 years with the Round Rock Independent School District. Noonan was active in the Latin Mass Community and served on the Round Rock Historical Commission. A dynamic presenter, she conducted science workshops and delivered historical presentations throughout Texas. She also volunteered at Pioneer Farms, a living history museum in Austin.
After retiring in 2005, Noonan moved to Wells, where she once again immersed herself in community life. She was an engaged member of the Wells Ogunquit Senior Center, where she shared her time and talents generously, presenting programs and workshops at local schools, retirement homes, and community organizations.
Noonan's love of learning extended beyond the classroom. She visited all 50 states and enjoyed crafts and puzzles. Throughout the various chapters of her life, she formed lasting friendships in each community she called home.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Noonan, in 1999; her son, William P. Noonan, in 2023; and her sisters Jean Louise Izbicki and Laura Joanne Manners.
Noonan is survived by her three grandsons, Bennett Prescott Noonan, Theodore Thomas Noonan, and Lincoln Henry Noonan, and her daughter-in-law, Melissa L. Noonan, all of Abilene, Texas; her brothers Theodore L. DuVarney and his wife, Elizabeth, of South Chesterfield, Virginia, and David M. DuVarney and his wife, Bobi, of Gardnerville, Nevada; many nieces and nephews; special cousins Dominic and Kelley DuVarney of Austin, Texas; and dear friends John and Shari Gregoire of Katy, Texas, Margaret Beasley of Round Rock, Texas, and George and Carol Hersom of Sanford.
A calling hour will be held Tuesday, June 16, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street, Worcester, Massachusetts. A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester Street, West Boylston, Massachusetts. Burial will be in Mount Vernon Cemetery, West Boylston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wells Ogunquit Senior Center, P.O. Box 987, Wells, Maine 04090, or online at wellsogunquitseniorcenter.org/donate.
