Obituary of Margaret Anne Lefsky

July 18, 1945 - April 13, 2025 

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Margaret Anne "Peggy" Lefsky, who passed on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love and light she created within her family and friends. After an extended and courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), Peggy has found peace, leaving behind 79 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and unforgettable memories. 

Born in the Upper East Side of Manhattan to James Edward and Margaret Catherine (O'Connor) McCormack, Peggy had called the Lake Arrowhead section of Denville, NJ her home for 55 years. She and her husband were among the longest continuous residents in the lake community she cherished so deeply. Peggy loved Denville, where she and her beloved husband Hal built a family and created a wonderful life together.  

Peggy's professional journey was marked by excellence. During her exceptional 45-year career in real estate, she was consistently ranked one of the top agents in New Jersey and always among the top in her office. Peggy found genuine fulfillment in helping people find their homes and building lasting relationships and friendships along the way. Her caring for her clients was so profound that even while battling ALS, she never stopped working. 

She was always active in community affairs, ready to help whenever and whoever she could. She lived by the principle that kindness is the purest expression of humanity. Throughout her 55 years in Denville, Peggy's dedication to the community was consistent and significant.  

She volunteered with the Suicide Prevention Hotline, finding deep meaning in supporting those in crisis and forming lifelong friendships with fellow volunteers. Her organizational talents shone as Co-chair of the entry gates and prize raffle for the Harvest Festival, as well as Co-Chair for the Haunted Barn. She made a big impact as Sponsorship Chair for both Denville Up and Running and the Denville Centennial Celebration, where she helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Denville charity and community initiatives. 

As an active member of the Lake Arrowhead Women's Auxiliary, Peggy helped support and organize countless events that brought neighbors together. She served on the Lake Arrowhead Club board, including as Membership Chair where she held the record for bringing in the most active members to the lake. She helped out where she could around town, and for families in need in Denville, Boonton, and Morris County. Giving back wasn't something she did—it was a part of who she was.  

Every year for the past twenty-five years, Peggy provided flags in celebration of the 4th of July to every home in Lake Arrowhead, hundreds in total delivered by hand each year.  

Prior to her time in New Jersey, she worked as a pediatric nurse for the New York Foundling Hospital and also as a receptionist in a New York doctor's office, where she met Hal who walked in one day with a cold. 

Peggy was predeceased by her parents, James and Margaret, and her siblings Jim and Mary, and her dear Martha. She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Harold "Hal" Lefsky of Denville; her loving children Betsy Nguyen of Kansas City, MO, Lawrence Lefsky of Seattle, WA, and Danny Lefsky of Paris, France; her cherished grandchildren Connor, Cassidy, and Teagan; her faithful pup Mack; her adoring sister Anne McCormack; and her dear nieces and nephews. 

A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834 (www.normandean.com), followed by a Celebration of Life at the Lake Arrowhead Community Club from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12 Lakewood Drive, Denville, NJ 07834. 

Memorial donations can be made in her memory to the Team Gleason Foundation, who helped with guidance and equipment in the fight against ALS. If interested in contributing, please visit www.inmemof.com. 

In addition to the unforgettable memories held by her family, we invite those who knew Peggy to share their favorite stories, memories, or words of tribute on normandean.com. Peggy touched the lives of many, and we believe her legacy is best honored through the stories and experiences of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Let her light shine bright for eternity.