Peggy "Mz D" Duhame

Peggy “Mz D” Duhame, 83, passed away Feb. 27, 2021 with her beloved children Dale, Donna, Derek and caregiver Dan by her side.  Peggy became a year-round Lakeside resident in 2007 and embraced a life of faith, family and friendship with her involvement in Community Presbyterian Church, Women’s Club, Red Hat Society and wonderful neighbors.  She lived life with an unmatched passion, warmth and kindness.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1937, Peggy was the only child of Byron and Martha “Gladys” Helm.  She shared her childhood with 33 first cousins.

With her family’s move to Tuscaloosa when she was three, Peggy began her lifelong love affair with University of Alabama football.  Throughout her life she was known by all as a “Die Hard” Roll Tide fan.  Legendary Alabama Head Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant even learned of her devotion and called her from the locker room in 1977, after a significant victory, thanking Peggy for her support. 

In 1955 Peggy married Wesley Duhame, a second-generation Arizonan.  The Duhames purchased their first and only Valley home in 1962 where the family thrived.  The Duhame 54^th Court home was always filled with friends and neighbors; whether the children’s scouting groups, Hopi/Arcadia school projects, football and baseball teams, cheerleading and pom line squads. Peggy became known as “Mz D” to all who were lucky to know her loving embrace.  She nurtured her children’s friends as if they were her own.  

As the children moved on with their lives, Peggy excelled in retail, starting as a sales associate to becoming the District Manager for 13 years at The Sunglass Company, owned by the largest dispenser of optical eye ware.  She then channeled her energy into a 12-year career with Russ Lyon Realty where she made the Million Dollar Club her second year and remained. 

Peggy is survived by her three children, Dale’s wife Liz, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren, in addition to the many who loved her as their second mom, mentor and lifetime friend. 

Peggy’s life celebration will be held at her Lakeside cabin retreat as the weather warms, date to be announced.