Peggy Bieber

Peggy Bieber lived a life many would have never survived. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey to Irish/Sicilian parents, she was one child out of four. As her parents were not equipped to handle so many children, like many others she was raised by her older siblings, Joseph and Joann. When it came time for her to be a big sister years later, she did so with love and care (although she did trade her for a bicycle once) until her dying day. She was preceded in death by her parents, Franciska Peter Durso and Anna Mary Gallagher Durso, maternal grandparents, Hugh and Annie Dougherty Gallagher, a sister, Joann Durso Dorak and husband Robert “Bob” Dorak, a brother, Joseph Durso, and a son, Daniel Job Bieber.

Peggy was blessed with three children, Patrick, Daniel, and Grace. Sadly, Daniel was born sleeping, and she mourned his loss all her days. She took on care of her oldest son Patrick, who also despite his disabilities, took care of her with love until he no longer could. Her youngest child Grace gave Peggy the three loves of her life, her three grandsons, Noah (who she saw born, held first, and spent countless nights awake with him watching Adult Swim, while Grace recovered from postpartum depression.); and Benjamin, who she waited 10 years for after Noah’s birth, falling instantly in love again as soon as she looked into his wise eyes. Then, 21 months later, came Forrest, with his bright red hair, and infectious giggle. She called him her little Forrest creature, Fey. 

Peggy is survived by: son, Patrick Bieber and fiancée Nancy; daughter, Grace Bieber; grandsons, Noah Kaess, Benjamin Dockery and Forrest Dockery; sister, Sheilagh Gallagher, her former husband, James Bieber, her best friend, Pat Carter, and her loving pet, Poppy Bieber.

Peggy was a nurse, and a very devoted one, until her health took it from her. She loved going places and seeing new things until her mental and physical health took that too.

If my mom could speak now, I know she would want others to know this: “Don’t leave things unsaid. Let those around you know you love them or that even though you do, set those boundaries. Make the memories with your kids and grandchildren or yourself. Have fun, be free, and find love, because in the end that’s all she wanted for her children and grandchildren.”

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Ashelawn Memorial Chapel, 3470 U.S. Highway 221 North, Jefferson, NC 28640.