Obituary: Peggy Joan Maxie, August 18, 1936 - February 18, 2024

Peggy Joan Maxie, 87, passed away on February 18, 2024. Ms. Maxie was born on August 18, 1936 in Amarillo, Texas and moved to Seattle, Washington at age 6 along with her siblings and many other relatives.

Maxie was the first African American woman elected to the Washington State House of Representatives, serving the 37th District from 1971 to 1982. Having achieved a Master in Social Work degree, she started her company, PM&A in 1981 and provided mental health and vocational services until 2022. In 1975, she was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from St. Martin’s University.

Peggy sponsored the landmark Landlord Tenant Act, the Displaced Homemakers Act, founded Women in Unity, and held legislative workshops on participatory democracy to encourage voter participation.

A funeral service will be held for family and friends on Saturday, March 2, at 11a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 820 18th Ave., Seattle WA 98122. Burial will be at noon on Monday, March 4, 2024, at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery, 11111 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle WA 98133.