Margaret “Peggy” Watson Deneau, 76, of Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in her home early Wednesday morning, May 20, 2026.

Peggy was born on October 15, 1949, in Manhattan, New York, to the late Dr. Robert Fletcher and Francis Donohue Watson. During his career, her father published over 35 papers in numerous medical and scientific societies and retired as Chief-of-Service of the Vincent Astor Diagnostic Service at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center.

Peggy moved to Pine Knoll Shores in 1999 with the love of her life, the late Eugene “Gene” Sagmiller Jr. Her soul was happiest when her hair was in the sunshine and her hands were digging into the earth. Together, they created a magical blooming haven for wildlife around their home. As a Marine Biology graduate, Peggy developed a passion for the preservation of sea turtles. She devoted countless hours to protecting the sea turtles along the Crystal Coast as the Coordinator for the North Carolina Sea Turtle Protection Project in Pine Knoll Shores. Peggy played an important role in the North Carolina Sea Turtle Watchers efforts, spending early mornings walking the beaches in search of turtle tracks and helping safeguard nesting mothers and tiny hatchlings. During nesting season, Peggy wrote a monthly article in the Pine Knoll Shores town newspaper, the Shoreline, to keep the community current on local sea turtle activity. Her passion for nature and wildlife left a lasting impact on both the community and the beaches she loved so dearly.

There was no greater gift for Peggy than having her only child, Suzanne Michelle Deneau living alongside her. Together, they shared countless adventures, endless laughter, and precious daily moments that filled them both with immense joy. This special time was the ultimate expression of love and gratitude packed with so much laughter, fun, happy memories, good times, and a deep irreplaceable love that will live on forever.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Robert and Francis Watson. Peggy leaves behind a legacy of immense love, preceded in death by the love of her life Gene Sagmiller, as well as her many beloved animal companions who were never far from her side.

She will be forever remembered and lovingly cherished by her brother, Dr. Frank Watson of Salisbury, MD, daughter and grandcats, Suzanne Deneau, Mr. Bean “Beanie” and Miss Calycanthus “Caly” of Pine Knoll Shores, NC, Suzanne’s father Jeff Deneau of Chesapeake, VA, and a host of other relatives, friends, and loved ones who will dearly miss her.

To honor her love for gardening, the family welcomes donations of full-sun plants and flowers to create a living memorial garden at her home. Please contact Suzanne at suz1303@aol.com regarding donations.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.