Margaret Ellen “Peggy” Hiss, 85, Donaldson, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, at the Catherine Kasper Life Center.

Peggy was born on June 8, 1932 in South Bend to Walter B. and Evelyn J. (Haines) Barrett. She loved gardening, her flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and many indoor plants. Her greatest joy was spending time with and caring for her family.  This included years as a farm wife, loving mother, and good neighbor. Peggy drove a school bus for the Plymouth School system for 13 years. 

On May 19, 1956, Peggy became the bride of John Charles Hiss in a ceremony at the St. Michael Catholic Church in Plymouth. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage when John preceded Peggy in death on Feb. 6, 2014. Peggy was an active member of St. Michael Catholic Church for many years; she and John then joined the Maria Center community in 2009 and attended Mass at the Catherine Kasper Home Chapel.

Left to cherish Peggy’s memory are her son, Charlie (Nancy) Hiss of Kokomo; her three daughters: Nancy (Bryce) Gardner of Santee, Calif.; Debra (Hal) Brey of Tigard, Ore.; and Judy (Ken) Skarbeck of Indianapolis. Peggy was further blessed with three grandchildren: Megan Hiss, Molly Skarbeck and Ellie Skarbeck; also surviving is Peggy’s brother, James (Vivian) Barrett of Walkerton; and her sister-in-law, Bev Barrett of Argos.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, John, two sisters, Marilyn (Ralph) Haisley, Lois (G. Edward) Cook; and her brother, Walter “Bud” Barrett.

The Van Gilder Funeral Home is caring for the Hiss family.  

A funeral for Peggy will be held at 11:15 a.m.  Wednesday, Dec. 13, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. at the Catherine Kasper Life Center Chapel, 9601 Union Road Donaldson, IN 46513, with Father John Zemelko officiating.

A time of visiting with the Hiss family will be held in the Catherine Kasper Life Center Chapel, 9601 Union Road, Donaldson, IN 46513, from 4-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12. The praying of the Rosary will follow from 6:30-7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Catherine Kasper Activity fund; Maria Center Activity Fund or the Maria Center Ancilla Mission Club c/o Catherine Kasper Life Center, P.O. Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513.