Peggy Marie Dougherty

Peggy Marie (Van Dyke) Dougherty, age 85, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025. 

Peggy was born in Tazewell, VA to Colonel Jackson Van Dyke and Edna Marie (Caudill) Van Dyke on November 29, 1939. Peggy moved to Delaware in 1958. She lived and raised her children in the Newport/Stanton area. Peggy married her husband Kevin Dougherty in 1991 and moved to Georgetown, DE where she lived until her passing. 

Peggy worked at Wroten’s Hardware store in Newport DE and also at Middlesex Hardware store in Georgetown DE. 

Over the years, Peggy enjoyed painting ceramics, making floral arrangements, crafting, going to the flea markets and antique shops, going to the casinos, taking walks on the boardwalk and listening to the music played at the bandstand. She also looked forward to volunteering the day of and being on the committee during the year for the Georgetown Return Day Parade.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister Ellen Sue Seddon, her sister Jackie Williamson and her grandson, Michael Whitaker. She is survived by her children, Venita Bledsoe (Dave), Sharon Churchwell (Brian), Rick Melvin (Karen), Christopher Melvin (Dawn), and Sean Crothers. Her grandchildren, Troy Whitaker, Kylie Frazer (Eric), Ashley Kropiewnicki (Steve), Cory Melvin (Sarah), and Katelyn Melvin. Her great-grandchildren, Lucas, Callie and Emerson. 

A service celebrating Peggy’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Short Funeral Home, 609 E. Market Street, Georgetown, DE 19947. 

Visitation will begin at 11:00am with a service following at 12:00 noon. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford DE 19963.