Peggy Jo Garren Obituary May 5, 2026 | West Lafayette, IN
Peggy Jo Garren, 75, of Lafayette, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at Digby Place.
Peggy was born on July 18, 1950, in Lafayette to the late Carl Garren and Margert (Bohan) Avery. She attended St. Ann’s Elementary School, Central Catholic, and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1968.
Fiercely independent and endlessly compassionate, Peggy lived a life defined by kindness, humor, and quiet strength. She worked in shipping and receiving at Purdue University for 20 years, following earlier employment with General Foods. No matter the job, Peggy was known for her reliability, her work ethic, and her warm presence.
Peggy embraced Christianity in her 40s and explored several churches before finding her home at Gathering Point Church, formerly Dayton United Methodist. Her faith guided her in meaningful ways, including two mission trips to Ghana-experiences that deeply touched her heart and broadened her love for serving others.
A lifelong lover of animals, Peggy cared for every creature that crossed her path. She rescued numerous stray cats in her neighborhood through trap-spay/neuter-release efforts and delighted in feeding the squirrels, birds, and outdoor cats who visited her yard. She will be joyfully welcomed in heaven by her beloved cats Socks, Tommy, Kit, Elliott, Lulu, Clover, and many more.
Peggy found peace in nature. She loved taking walks, admiring the world around her, and tending to her yard with meticulous care. If a single leaf or stick fell out of place, she was outside in a heartbeat, making things tidy again. Her sweet tooth-especially for anything chocolate-was another of her endearing trademarks.
Those who knew Peggy will remember her gentle spirit and nurturing heart. She always had a listening ear, kind words, and a shoulder to cry on. Growing up, she was a second mother to her siblings, watching over them protectively and making them feel loved. As an adult, she shared a special bond with her daughter, Tina; the two could always make each other laugh and cherished their time together, especially during garage sale adventures. Peggy’s loved ones will never be the same without her loving kindness.
She is survived by her daughter, Tina Garren of Lafayette; her sister, Jackie Samas of Michigan; and her brothers, Kent Garren of Colorado and Keith Garren of Lafayette. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Jayne Garren and Kathy Austin, and by her grandmother, Henrietta Bohan.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Fisher Funeral Chapel. A Service will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Fisher Funeral Chapel with burial following in Tippecanoe Memory Gardens.
