Peggy Stearns Whiter

Peggy Stearns Whiter passed away at home in Bend, Oregon on June 19, 2026. She was born Peggy Jeanne Stearns on October 17, 1943 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in Brattleboro, Vermont to James and Eleanor (Duke) Stearns. Her adopted brother, William D. Stearns joined the family in 1948. She attended Green Street Elementary, Brattleboro Junior and Senior High School, graduating in 1961. During high school she participated in band, drama, and was a volunteer at the hospital, where they were called candy-stripers. Peggy graduated from Wagner College (Staten Island, New York) with a BSN in Nursing in 1965. After relocating to Redlands, California, with her childhood friend Jane Boyden Kropp, Peggy worked for the San Bernadino County Health Department as a Public Health Nurse. Once in California, Peggy began dating Stephen Whiter (from Ohio, but also with Vermont roots), who she married in Brattleboro on August 26, 1967, at Centre Congregational Church where her father was the organist. After their wedding, they settled in California where Peggy began working at the UCLA Medical Center as a RN in the Neuro-Psychiatric Department. She later earned a Master of Science Nursing (MSN) degree. Once she earned her MSN, Peggy worked as an outpatient therapist at UCLA’s adolescent psychiatric services unit and specialized in eating disorders. In their spare time, Steve and Peggy enjoyed sailing around the Southern California coast and skiing at Mammoth Mountain. Eventually moving to Encino, California, Peggy became a full-time mother when Bryan was adopted in 1984 and Stephanie joined in 1986. The family resided in Encino until Steve retired from General Telephone Electronics (GTE) in 1991. After Steve’s retirement, the family moved to Bend, Oregon. Bend opened new opportunities for Steve, Peggy and the kids. Peggy was active on the Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol in her early years in Bend and swam with Central Oregon Masters Association (COMA) for more than two decades, where she earned numerous awards. Peggy was active with Bryan and Stephanie in supporting their school, sports, and musical activities. She passed on her love for skiing and swimming to Bryan and Stephanie, who have traveled to different states and countries to enjoy the powder and pools. When the kids were out of the house, Steve and Peggy enjoyed traveling internationally and visiting their Vermont roots. Peggy was a proud Vermonter and using her New England terms. She also enjoyed activities at Larkspur Senior Center such as Tai Chi to stay active when she was no longer in the pool. Peggy spent hours in the kitchen making delicious meals and sauces, gardening and working on her plants. She loved wearing a good hat. Peggy enjoyed her time living in Awbrey Meadows and working on the house inside and out, as Steve remodeled the family home in every way. Steve and Peggy downsized to the outskirts of Sunriver in 2021. Peggy is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Stephen, son Bryan, daughter Stephanie, and her brother William. A celebration of life will be held later in 2026 to honor Peggy’s memory. Please contact Steve, Bryan or Stephanie if you would like to be contacted for further information. Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home was honored to handle the arrangements.

Tributes

Peggy Stearns Whiter

October 17, 1943 - June 19, 2026