Margaret "Peggy" Laidlaw

Margaret “Peggy” Laidlaw, 84, of Dallas, peacefully passed away at home on March 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, holding their hands as she journeyed to Heaven.

Born on Oct. 27, 1940, in Owensboro, Ky., Peggy was the second of three children born to Margaret and Sidney Wright. She had an older sister, Ann Wright Wenzlau Crocker, and a younger brother, Sidney Wright Jr.

At the age of 14, Peggy moved to La Jolla, Calif., where she attended The Bishop’s School from 1955 until her graduation in 1958. During her time at Bishop’s, she developed a passion for philanthropy, a thread that would run throughout her life.

Peggy began her college journey in the fall of 1958 at Mills College in Oakland, Calif. While visiting San Diego for the holidays, she attended a Kingston Trio concert where she met Walt Laidlaw during intermission. This chance encounter led to her transfer to the University of Southern California in 1960, where she pledged Pi Beta Phi in 1961.

On Aug. 5, 1961, Peggy married Walt at St. Mary’s Chapel at The Bishop’s School, with the reception following at the La Valencia Hotel.

Their life together took them to Newport, R.I., during Walt’s officer training in the U.S. Navy, and later back to Long Beach, Calif., where they welcomed their first child, Jeffrey. Their daughter Catherine followed a few years later. In 1974, the family moved to Houston, and Mary Margaret was born a year later.

In 1978, they settled in Dallas, where Peggy’s involvement in the community blossomed. She forged lasting friendships and became dedicated to service and leadership. She was known for her wisdom, kindness, intelligence and assertiveness, traits that served her well in beloved organizations such as Pi Beta Phi alumnae club and Northwood Women’s Club, where she served as president of both.

Peggy is survived by her devoted husband, Walt Laidlaw; her children: Jeff Laidlaw (Linda) of Dallas, Catherine Laidlaw (Amy) of Washington, D.C., and Mary Hefner (Brenan) of Dallas; and six grandchildren: William, Grady and Clara Laidlaw, and Olivia, Henry and Campbell Hefner. She is also survived by her brother, Sidney Wright Jr. (Sandy) of North Richland Hills, Texas; along with nephews Charlie and Daniel, nieces Suzie and Anna Laura, and many other beloved extended family members.

Peggy will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She will be laid to rest at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.