Peggy Ann Araya

Peggy Ann Wilson Araya, 82, entered eternal rest on November 22, 2024. She was born on December 16, 1941, in Baltimore, Maryland, to her adoring parents, Herbert Eugene Wilson and Catherine Lee McMechen. Raised in Baltimore, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Morgan State College in 1963. Her professional journey spanned forty-one years, during which she worked as a social worker and later as a parole and probation officer, dedicating her career to safeguarding others. Peggy’s passion for her work deepened when she joined and eventually led the Division of Parole and Probation’s Family Assault Supervision Team, a specialized unit focused on providing intensive oversight for individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses. She was a valued member of Baltimore’s domestic violence movement, participating in fatality reviews and coordinating committees dedicated to reducing homicides and improving the city’s response protocols. Her childhood was shaped by stories of her family’s perseverance, especially her grandfather, George W.F. McMechen, Morgan State’s first graduate. A trailblazer in Baltimore’s African American community, he was an educator, businessman, and philanthropist who dedicated his life to empowering others amid racial and social adversity. Although she didn’t always make a direct connection to these stories, her life reflected their enduring legacy of advocating for and protecting the vulnerable. In 1963, she was part of a group of Morgan College students arrested and jailed for peacefully protesting the whites-only movie theater at Northwood Shopping Center. In 2015, Morgan conferred an honorary Doctorate of Law to her and the other students, later referred to as the Morgan Student Civil Rights Pioneers. While living and working in East Lansing, Michigan, she met her future husband and lifelong love, Yeshitila, a graduate student from Ethiopia. She often recounted how determined she was to introduce herself after noticing him at their apartment building, cleverly devising a ruse about needing his help to kill a bug. After a brief courtship, they married, and a year later, they celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Tania. And if you knew Peggy, you already know how fiercely protective and proud she was of Tania, and she was her greatest cheerleader. The family briefly relocated to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Peggy fondly reminisced about the vibrant life and close-knit community of friends and family they found there. Years later and after returning to the U.S., they rejoiced in welcoming their granddaughter Hiwot from Ethiopia. Peggy thrived in the company of others and loved being surrounded by friends and family. Having grown up in a small family, she relished opportunities to be with friends who invited her into their large family gatherings. Her exceptional culinary skills were central to the many parties and cookouts she hosted. For many years, New Year’s Eve at the Araya’s home in Randallstown was the place to be, filled with lively music and an abundance of delicious food. She had a gift for making others feel welcome, particularly those seeking personal connection—whether newly arrived Ethiopians, Tania’s college friends who couldn’t afford to return home for the holidays, or others without strong family ties—ensuring they felt they belonged. She had a deep love for laughter and an appreciation for good food, whether it was her own cooking or someone else’s. Her personality was vibrant—often loud, boisterous, and opinionated—much to the occasional chagrin and frequent amusement of her husband and daughter. She cherished her loved ones, both human and furry, including Yeshitila, Tania, Tony (her son-in-law), Ginger (her cousin), and her beloved pet grandchildren, Abby and Storm. Their presence brought her comfort and solace, especially during times when she wasn’t feeling her best. Her family and all who knew her will remember her as a woman of unwavering empathy, boundless energy, and a heart that embraced everyone she met. She was easily moved to tears by the pain of others and would become fiercely angry when witnessing injustice. Standing just 5 feet tall, she was spirited and tenacious, particularly when it came to politics, social issues, and “bad” food. Diverse communities of friends surrounded Peggy: her colleagues-turned-friends from Parole and Probation, her vast Ethiopian circle, her mahjong crew, her Ruth’s Closet companions—who supported her throughout her breast cancer treatment—and her newfound friends at the Avalon Apartments. She held them all dear. She loved and was loved by many. Peggy is survived by her husband of 58 years, Yeshitila Araya; daughter, Tania Araya; granddaughter, Hiwot Araya; son-in-law, Anthony Roberts; and a host of cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert E. Wilson and Catherine L. McMechen, and cousins Ada West Williams, Jonathan Nocera, Paula Chester Nocera and Virginia Jones Richardson. Peggy’s legacy is one of courage, love, and community. Her life’s work as an advocate, protector, and champion for others leaves a lasting impact. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and kindness during this challenging time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence or the American Lung Association in Peggy’s memory.

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Peggy Ann Araya

December 16, 1941 - November 22, 2024