Mary Ann "Peggy" Smolen

Mary Ann (Peggy) Smolen, 96, of Melbourne, Florida, passed June 11, 2024.

Surviving relatives include daughters Mary Moore (Bill) of Orlando and Lynn Wiggins of Ft. Walton Beach; granddaughters Teresa and Rebecca Moore of Orlando, and Diana Pruitt of Birmingham; and nieces Nancy and Diana Bender of New Orleans, La. 

Peggy was preceded in death by her mother and father, John and Dona Bender of Celina, Oh; brothers Chester Chapman and John Bender and sister-in-law, Naomi Bender of New Orleans, La.; and husbands, J. P. Grimm of Celina, Oh and Dr., Lt. Col (ret) George Smolen of Melbourne.

Peggy received loving care from Discovery Village, Vitas, and Chaplain Capt. Sol B. Madlambayan of Melbourne.

Peggy graduated from Celina High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Ohio Northern University where she was voted May Day Queen. She was a former president of the Officers’ Wives Club and an accomplished bridge player. Peggy taught at Ramey AFB and Ft. Buchanan in Puerto Rico. Many of her former students kept in contact with her throughout the years.

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery is Peggy’s final resting place next to her husband George. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. George Orthodox Church, 24 North Rosalind Ave, Orlando, Fl or to your favorite charity in her name.