Margaret L. Conkling – YN2, United States Navy

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From a contemporary press report:

mconkling-photo

Margaret (Peggy) Conkling died September 13, 2002 of cancer. Ms. Conkling was born on December 21, 1922 as Margaret Harnois, of French-Canadian descent.

Ms. Conkling's goals were education and travel. She joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 29. During the Korean Conflict, Ms. Conkling became an ardent “Poster Girl” for the WAVES. She realized her dreams for travel and spent over three years attached to the U.S. Embassy in London. Returning to the U.S., she left the Navy with honors.

Remaining in D.C., she joined the staff of the Republican Policy Committee. She met and married Raymond Conkling, a lawyer with the Ways and Means Committee. The marriage ended in divorce, but produced one daughter, Tracy Barbara.

By her early 50's, while working at COMSAT, she entered the University of Maryland, graduated with honors in journalism.

Peggy was active in her church, condo assn, and her daughter's school. She was a member of MENSA and Order of the Eastern Star.

As a single parent, she was an advocate on Capitol Hill to get attention to the plight of single parents. Her years of involvement with Parents Without Partners put her in the forefront, becoming the first female President of PWP's D.C. chapter. She also served on PWP's International Board of Directors as Public Relations VP.

As a lover of cultural events and performing arts, in late 1970, Ms. Conkling did theater reviews for a PG County newspaper. This led to work first as Writer then as Assignments Editor for Intermission Magazine. Peggy was a huge supporter of keeping performing for kids of all ages. She exposed her grandson Kyle to theater, serious music and dancing. He absorbed it readily and eagerly accompanied her to many events. Peggy's wish is that Tracy continues to give Kyle and his sister Kyra these advantages.

Survivors include daughter Tracy, grandchildren Kyle and Kyra, brother Robert Harnois and family, the Knudsen-Harnois family of Florida, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Service to be held at Arlington National Cemetery February 6, 2003 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Breast Cancer Research or Montgomery County Hospice.

CONKLING, MARGARET L

  • Y2   US NAVY
  • VETERAN SERVICE DATES: 01/03/1950 – 11/25/1953
  • DATE OF BIRTH: 12/21/1922
  • DATE OF DEATH: 09/13/2002
  • DATE OF INTERMENT: 02/06/2003
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 5-R  ROW 25  SITE 5
  • ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

 

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