Deborah Benjamin Pegel

Deborah Benjamin Pegel of Asheville, North Carolina, died of natural causes on January 3, 2024, at the age of ninety-nine. In her passing, she now joins her beloved husband, the late Dr. Louis Pegel, M.D., with whom she spent 45 years of marriage. She was born in Philadelphia, PA, in 1924. She had two elder siblings, Kenny and Marjorie. As a young person, Deb loved being outdoors and playing all matter of sports. She was an excellent tennis player, loved to swim, and could be found playing street hockey outside her home in downtown Philly. She pursued this passion by attending Russel Sage College where she obtained a degree in Physical Education. She went on to teach at Case Western Reserve University and then Drexel University. She and Lou were married in 1948. As they started a family, Deb was a devoted wife and homemaker. When Lou was beginning his medical practice, you could find Deb at his office in Flourtown greeting patients and managing daily affairs. Both Deb and Lou were avid world travelers. In 1991, Deb and Lou retired to Hendersonville, NC. Where they continued their long-standing commitment to the Episcopal Church by joining St. John in the Wilderness. Deb was active in the choir. During her time in Hendersonville, she continued her commitment to community service while volunteering for Meals on Wheels, the American Red Cross, and Hospice. She was honored for her work by Land of the Sky, Volunteer of the Year. In 2005, she moved to Asheville and lived behind her daughter’s house in what she called her “tree house” - she loved it there. She was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church and loved being a member of the choir. You could never find Deb without a pet dog. She brought immense joy to her family, particularly her four grandsons. Always happy, generous, and kind, Deb was loved by all who met her. She is survived by son, Robert Louis Pegel, wife, Nancy Pegel; daughter, Barbara Williams, husband, Robert Williams; grandsons, Robert (wife Allison), Asher, Dylan & Joseph Williams; great-grandchildren: Abby, Camden, and Monroe Williams. A service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Meals on Wheels https://www.mowabc.org/.

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Deborah Benjamin Pegel

June 29, 1924 - January 3, 2024