Peggy Lynn Hayes, born on February 7, 1953 to parents Beverly & Dean Hunter in Eureka, California. She passed away at the age of 68 on Sunday, February 6, 2022, surrounded by loving family at home.
Peggy grew up in a hard working family on ranches in Humbolt County, California. She attended Rio Lindo Adventist Academy (boarding school) in Sonoma County, California for all four years of high school. She worked several jobs to help pay some of the tuition for this private school.
Peggy attended Walla Walla University on an accelerated three year program graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1975. She worked at Kaiser and Adventist Hospital while a student, to fund her tuition. Always the over achiever! She furthered her education at Oregon Health and Science University, obtaining a Master of Science in Women’s Health, Adult Health, and Nurse Midwifery in 1998. She had to juggle her nursing career, raising a family, and school while pursuing her Master of Science at OHSU.
Peggy worked at Adventist Medical Center as a Registered Nurse in labor and delivery for 23 years. She opened her own solo practice as a Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse-Midwife in 1999. She proceeded to deliver approximately 6,000 babies over 22 years, while also providing primary care services for her patients. She performed the births at Portland Adventist Medical Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, and Providence Milwaukie Hospital. Peggy spent about half her career as a Midwife in a solo practice and the last half at Bridgetown Women’s care as a primary care provider and Midwife.
Peggy loved to spend time in the sun; whether chasing it to warmer climates or sunbathing while 8 months pregnant on a hospital roof, no barrier couldn’t be overcome to soak in the rays. Family vacations always reserved 10-2 for sun exposure for Peggy and whether boating, camping, or cruising it happened in the Sun. Peggy put the same energy into her family and community as her medical practice. Always the mastermind and ringleader to birthday parties, vacations, holidays, weekend outings, her childrens’ and grandchildrens’ sporting events, choirs, plays, and hobbies. No matter what the activity was, Peggy was there as your proudest and most supportive fan. There never was a gap too far her love couldn’t bridge for her friends, family, and community.
Peggy is survived by her husband of 43 years, Norm Hayes; sons, Christopher (wife, Yvette), Brady (wife, Julie, grandchildren, Lexy, Cole, Jake, and Hunter). Jeffrey (wife, Mo, grandchild, Evelyn); and daughter Holly (husband, Garrett).
She lived her life to bring love and kindness to others.
Private funeral with celebration of life to follow later in the year in sunny weather.