Peggy Cochrane passed away on May 28th, 2020 at the age of 96. Peggy lived her life with flair. Peggy blessed those that knew her with charm, an infectious laugh, and a generous embellishing to those lucky enough to hear her stories.
Peggy was born in Rockford, Il. On November 5, 1923 to Patricia and Harold McShane. She grew up in Chicago where she was cherished by her mother and step-father, Lemon Lemley, and where she met her first husband, John Gay. Together they lived in Florida, Sacramento, and finally Santa Barbara.
Peggy worked as an executive secretary at UCSB where she met her second husband, and love of her life, Richard Cochrane. They lived together in their Montecito dream home, until Richard’s passing in 2000. Peggy lived in her beloved home for over 50 years. She was dancing on her terrace until the week before her death.
Peggy attended Blackburn College and the University of Illinois. She was proud to be a flight attendant in her younger days. She spent most of her career as an executive secretary. After retiring from UCSB Peggy started her own Professional Secretarial Service in Montecito Village. She owned one of the first fax machines in town. Peggy enjoyed playing piano and having high tea. To Peggy, tea was not just a beverage it was an experience to be enjoyed with loved ones. Peggy was a devoted Christian and served as a deacon in her church, El Montecito Presbyterian.
Peggy is survived by her son, John Dennis Gaye and his wife Renay; her grandchildren Deanna Gay-Van Lokeren , John Patrick Gaye, and Gregory Craig Andrews; as well as her great grandchildren, Arianna and Marie Van Lokeren.
A viewing will be held On June 5 from 9:00AM to 12:30 PM at Welch-Ryce-Hader, 15 East Sola Street. A small private graveside service will be held for her family at Santa Barbara Cemetery. If you wish to make donations in her name, please make them to either El Montecito Presbyterian church or to the Humane Society.
