Margaret Ann "Peg" Spencer

Margaret Ann (Peg) Spencer, 67, passed away on January 17, 2024, at her home in Topeka, KS.

Our beloved Peg was born in Minnesota on January 20, 1956, to Mary and C.C. Spencer. Growing up in a military family (Peg's mom was a retired Navy nurse and her dad was a retired Marine who spent the latter half of his career as an officer with the American Red Cross serving active-duty military families at bases around the world), Peg spent her youth traveling the globe, from the midwestern United States to Okinawa, Japan. Peg graduated from Manhattan (KS) High School in 1974, and Kansas University, earning a degree in Journalism in 1978. While at KU, Peg studied abroad in France, after which she lived in Germany before accepting a position as Editor of the local newspaper in Tarkio, MO.

Like her parents before her, Peg had a calling to public service, and enjoyed a 35-year career with Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the State of Kansas. Peg's true passion was advocating for and empowering Kansans with disabilities to become independent and self-sufficient. Peg was a tireless ally for people with disabilities in Kansas and across the nation. Peg fought hard for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and was recognized by the White House for her efforts. Peg supported many charities and social causes throughout her life, especially after her well-earned retirement. During her later years, she continued to consult for the State of Kansas while enjoying reading, music, and friends.

Peg cared for her parents in their later years at their shared home in Topeka, until their passing.

Peg is survived by her sister Dora and brother-in-law Dick Hart, niece Allison Hart, nephews Jeremy Hart (and his wife Jill) and Adam Hart (and his wife Courtney), and great-nieces Sarah, Katie, Ollie, Hannah, Maisie, and Emily, as well as by her life-long friend Kim Wilson Young.

Peg was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend who will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.