Williams mourns the passing of retired staff member Peggy Weyers, who passed away the age of 78 on April 11, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Peggy joined Williams in December of 1984, beginning a long career in administrative support, primarily in the Anthropology and Sociology departments. Working with her friend and colleague Donna Chenail, she was also instrumental in organizing major college events, including Convocation and Commencement. A talented pianist, Peggy enjoyed playing the bells at Thompson Chapel in her spare time. She also found time to moonlight at the Williams Inn, where she reconnected with her Mt. Greylock classmate John Weyers, whom she married in 1997 and with whom she spent many happy years.
Cluett Professor of Humanities Emeritus Mark Taylor, whom Peggy supported for decades, said, “Peggy was such an important part of my life. I’ve often said both privately and publicly that I could never have written all the books I’ve written without her. She was so smart, so savvy, so ethical. More importantly, she was such a remarkable person.”
During COVID, Peggy continued to come to work on campus every day, keeping things running despite her own health challenges, and often working alone in the building. She retired in May 2021, at age 76, after 40 years of loyal service to Williams. She was the second of three generations of her family to work at the college: her aunt, Mary Rita Healey, was assistant to President James Phinney Baxter, Class of 1914; and her son, Jeffrey, is a member of our Facilities team.
Peggy is survived by her husband, John Weyers, of Pownal, VT; children Daniel J. Bryant (Andi), John Bryant, Mary Kate Bryant and Jeffrey Bryant, all of Williamstown; and four grandchildren, Amber Pease (Nicholas) of Williamstown, James Bryant (Emily) of North Adams, Justin Bryant of Williamstown and Michael Bryant of Revere, MA. She also leaves a brother James E. Grady (Nancy) of Williamstown, a sister Fredericka Brown of North Adams, four great-grandchildren and a step-great-granddaughter. Additionally, she leaves two step-daughters, Jennifer Barbeau of North Adams and Janet Weyers of Williamstown, NJ, and a step-granddaughter, Katie Barbeau of North Adams. Peggy was predeceased by her older sister Maureen Perkins of North Andover, MA. Peggy’s niece, Leigh Perkins, is a member of the Williams Class of 1985.
Calling hours are this Wednesday, April 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the West Chapel at the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, 521 W. Main St., N. Adams. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. the same day in Thompson Memorial Chapel, followed by burial in the family plot at Eastlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites people to honor Peggy by doing good for someone else or by making a donation, either to the Organization for Autism Research or a charity of your choice. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.