Margaret Elizabeth “Peggy” O’Connor passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026. She was 100 years old.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Mater Dei - Immaculate Conception Church. Visitation with the family present will be Monday, September 14, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. with a Rosary said at 5:00 P.M. and a Vigil Service at 7:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Peggy was born in Kilkeel, County Down, Northern Ireland, to Joseph and Anne Morrison. She was raised in Belfast. She lost her mother at a young age and helped raise her siblings. When war broke out in Europe, in 1939, Peggy volunteered to become an official air raid warden. Riding her bicycle, Peggy would warn her neighbors to seek shelter from the approaching German aircraft. She often said she did it for the uniform: she had never had a pair of pants before.

On August 30, 1945, Peggy married David Udell, an American solider stationed in Belfast. She immigrated to the United States the following year. Settling in Sioux City, Peggy and David raised two daughters, Linda and Margaret. She was an active member of Immaculate Conception parish for many years. David passed away in 1973; Linda passed away in 1980.

On September 18,1993, Peggy married Theodore O’ Connor of Sioux City. Together Ted and Peggy enjoyed traveling, hosting family holidays and their garden. Ted passed away in 2005.

In her retired years, Peggy stayed active, enjoying a full social calendar. She had many friends and enjoyed her grandchildren. Peggy was an avid reader and enjoyed the not-so-occasional slot machine. She volunteered at the Catholic Charities’ Bargain Center for many years. In her 90’s, Peggy began participating in the Toys For Tots program, on behalf of the Sioux City Cosmopolitan Club. She delighted in doing this, right up to the age of 100.

Though she was small in stature, Peggy left an enormous impact on those she met. Her memories and stories were remarkable; so, too, was her ability to connect with people. She had many friends, of all ages. Peggy’s thoughtfulness and kindness were evident in everything she did. She always had time for a cup of tea and to listen. She will be truly missed.

Peggy is survived by her daughter Margaret Bitters; grandchildren David (Melissa) O’Connor, April (Joseph) Bousquet, Patrick O’Connor; great-grandchildren Tristen, Kaleb, Jesmarae, Natalie and Jack; sister-in-law Gloria Goodwin of Sioux Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Hospice of the Midwest, including nurses Gina and Lori; Drs Callahan and Wente; and Peggy’s devoted daughter Margaret.