Margaret Willing
Oct 22, 1929 -
Jul 4, 2026
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Margaret "Peggy" Willing (Ott) on July 4, 2026, at the age of 96, in Anchorage, Alaska. Peggy was born on Oct. 22, 1929, the daughter of Dr. William O. Ott and Margaret J. Smith of Ft. Worth, Texas. Peggy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in piano from Texas State College for Women. She began a teaching career in Midland, Texas, where she met and married her beloved husband of the next 63 years, Joseph L. Willing. They moved to Houston, Texas, in 1958, and later to Anchorage in 1974.
Music was a source of comfort, joy and inspiration in Peggy's life from a young age. A favorite family story is how Joe took piano lessons from Peggy after he first met her, just so he could spend more time with her. His tactic worked, because he proposed three weeks later, and they were married shortly after on Aug. 22, 1953. Peggy taught piano lessons for much of her adult life and had not just one, but two pianos in the living room, one of them a baby grand. In addition to classical piano music, Peggy loved Broadway musicals. Peggy was one of the pianists for Anchor Park United Methodist Church, she wrote the score for "The Church Upon the Hill" written by Oscar Kelly and she sang in the choir every Sunday, as well as participated in the Bell Choir. Peggy also supported the church choir by assisting with individual section work, sharing music recordings and organizing the music room. Her beloved friends from Anchor Park Choir held a special place in Peggy's heart.
A talented seamstress, Peggy delighted her children and grandchildren with Halloween costumes she sewed according to their requests, as well as costumes for their school plays and performances. Peggy also sewed many costumes for church pageants and musicals, long after her own children were grown.
Peggy was a talented cook, most famous for her excellent pies. At church auctions, bidding wars frequently occurred as people battled for the opportunity to buy one of Peggy's pies, which often went for over $100. One year, Peggy's pie sold for a record $500. After many years of cooking for her family, Peggy discovered the joy of eating lunch out with friends and continued to do so until the last month of her life.
Peggy loved dogs and owned a family dog for most of her life. Early in her marriage, dachshunds were a family favorite, and then later boxers stole her heart. She also loved horseback riding and brought their three horses from Texas all the way to Alaska.
Faith and service have been cornerstones by which Peggy has lived her life, showing us all what it truly means to be a Christian. She not only served on committees at church but was actively involved at Chester Park, serving on various committees. Peggy was committed to fitness, walked regularly and even led an exercise class until the last month of her life.
Her greatest legacy was her devotion to her husband and her family. When Joe was in the Pioneer Home during the last years of his life, she never missed a day visiting him. Her unconditional love and the values that she demonstrated each day have helped inspire her children and grandchildren to create meaningful lives and relationships of their own. The special sparkle that Peggy added to our world will be deeply missed.
Peggy is predeceased by her husband, Joseph Leslie Willing Jr.; and siblings, Dr. William M. Ott, Dr. David J. Ott and Jane P. Ott. She is survived by her children, Paul Willing (Jody), Mary Carroll (Zo) and Charles Willing (Ann); grandchildren, Trevor, Maya, Moriah, Jacob, Sarah and Taylor; great-grandchildren, Weston, Cameron, Tristan, Maxwell, Noah and Luka.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life at Anchor Park Methodist Church on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch downstairs. Everyone is encouraged to wear shades of teal or turquoise, which were Peggy's favorite colors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Anchor Park United Methodist Church, 2300 Oak Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508.
