Peggy Forgey Harrison

Peggy Forgey Harrison passed away on July 15, 2023, at the age of 82, surrounded by her family. Born August 31, 1940, in Baton Rouge, Peggy graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1958, and went on to attend LSU where she met her beloved husband of 54 years Edward Charles Harrison Jr.  A member of the Phi Mu Sorority, she remained an active Alum for many years.

Her studies in art could be seen in the beauty and creativity she brought to every aspect of her life. Always elegant and meticulous, she brought the same vitality to her home and family, always finding a way to express herself. 

As a mother of four, Peggy made a wonderful home for her beloved family and of course her pets. But as much as she loved relaxing on the patio and tending her flower beds, she also enjoyed hosting special family events and traveling to far away places with Ed. Whether Japan, Hawaii, Vegas or at home, she always carried her camera to document their adventures together for us all to enjoy. 

A longtime faithful and active member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, Peggy attended services, cheerfully volunteering, teaching, and attending Disciple and other bible studies. She especially enjoyed creating displays for the church and baking for her church family, always delighting herself in Christian fellowship with her church friends.

Peggy was actively involved in her community, from special work with the Louisiana Historic Foundation, her neighborhood civic association, garden club, to various women’s groups. She cherished all of the special friends she made in every aspect of her life.

With ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, she took great pride and joy in being a part of their lives. Peggy was always present for every birthday, holiday, school activity, achievement, ballgame, performance, etc., until her body no longer allowed her to do so.

Peggy fought a long battle with Huntington’s Disease. Her delicate appearance disguised an amazing strength and courage. Where many may have given in to the disease, Peggy would not let it hold her down. As her body failed her, she became a voracious reader, with somewhat questionable tastes in mysteries and romance novels, but her love for good food knew no boundaries, enjoying her family Sunday brunch adventures to the end.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Winona Forgey, and husband, Edward C. Harrison, Jr. She is survived by children, Jeanne Mathes (Leon), Scott Harrison, Stacey Luther (Donald) , Keith Harrison (Gena); and sister Carolyn Henry.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Our House For Respite, for the wonderful care given to Peggy during her nine years there and the nurses of The Hospice of Baton Rouge during her final months.  

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge on Thursday, July 20, 2023, beginning at 9:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) at https://hdsa.org/get-involved/donation-opportunities/

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com