Dunham, Margaret H. (Peg)Margaret H. (Peg) Dunham, 97, of Ithaca, NY, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2017. At her request there will be no calling hours. A private celebration of her life will be arranged at a future date for close friends and family. Peg was born on March 13, 1920 in New York City; the daughter of the late Irene and George Hegney. She was raised in NYC and married Richard Clark Dunham, a Chief Petty Officer with the U.S. Navy, in 1945. She was widowed and left with her two infant children, when he died suddenly in a naval hospital on Long Island in 1948. With much determination and perseverance, she followed through with their plans to relocate to Ithaca, NY to raise their children. As the eldest child during the Depression years, she helped her family by working from a very young age while attending school, until her marriage at age 25. Although never being given the opportunity to attend college, she continued this strong work ethic and love of learning throughout her life. Peg was employed as an Executive Secretary and Administrative Assistant in various local organizations including: the Federal Reserve, Collegetown Branch, in the 1950s; then as Assistant to Professor Blanchard Ridenout; Administrative Assistant for the Cornell University Student Government in the Dean of Students Department in the 1960s; and as Administrator of Admissions, Billing, and Patient Information at Tompkins County Hospital. Peg was passionate about reading, exploring new ideas, politics, social justice, and women's rights. She was a devoted mother and always provided a stable home while working fulltime - without the advantage of the programs and support networks we now have in place for single working mothers. In the late 1960s, she traveled on a bus to Selma, Alabama to register first time minority voters; and also participated in anti-war protests. In 2012, Peg was honored by the GIAC at their 40th Anniversary celebration for her role as a former board member, and for developing a Senior Program in 1982. She remained an active member until her death. Peg always had a great affection for her hometown of NYC, and had a great sense of style. She enjoyed outdoor activities in the beautiful surroundings of the Fingerlakes in all seasons. She was an avid swimmer and, in her retirement, cherished time spent with her grandchildren at her lakeside cottage, as well as winter visits to Cocoa Beach, FL and visits to the Southwest. Peg is survived by: her son, Richard Kenneth Dunham of Ithaca, NY; daughter Susan Dunham Jones of Trumansburg, NY; four grandchildren: Nina (John) Jones of Tuscon, AZ, Nicolette (Shane) Carroll of El Cajon, CA, Jeffrey (Meagan) Hoffman of Niantic, CT, and Kent Richard Gilbert (Lisa and daughters Brianna and Lauren) of Medina, OH; three great grandsons: Everett and Leon Olson of Tuscon, AZ, and Kenneth Raylen Carroll of El Cajon, CA; sister, Irene Chase of St. Pete Beach, FL; special sister-in-law, Phyllis Hegney, of Syracuse, and several nieces and one nephew. In addition to her husband, Peg was predeceased by her brother, George J. Hegney (Phyllis), of Syracuse, NY in 1981. If you wish to do so, donations may be made in Peg's name to the Cancer Resource Center, 612 State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850. The family asks that you don't give flowers; instead, give yourself completely to those you love; perform random acts of kindness and to smile more, laugh more, love more. To leave online condolences please visit www.hersonwagnerfuneralhome.com