Peggy Growney '74

Mercy graduate Peggy Growney ’74 has made her mark on the world as a strong, confident, and compassionate woman. She credits her family, gospel values, and her education at Our Lady of Mercy for helping her choose the right path. Growing up, Peggy shared a home with her parents, two brothers, and six sisters. It was in this loving environment that she learned patience (a necessity with eight siblings!), service to others, and social justice. Her family served as Peggy’s first level of education; Mercy was her second. All six of Peggy’s older sisters attended Mercy as did her mother, Doris, who was in the first graduating class in 1932. Each of these young women experienced the same wonderful, safe, and supportive academic environment that prepared them to live in a global society.

As Peggy puts it, “My family planted the seed of living a compassionate life. Mercy watered it.” Today, as a successful entrepreneur, Peggy has lived up to the standards set forth by her parents and by Mercy. Her store, Windsor Cottage, is much more than just a retail shop – it is the very heart of her mission to serve. The store’s success is the catalyst for Peggy’s philanthropic efforts supporting women’s health care initiatives, fighting childhood poverty, and feeding the hungry. Peggy is grateful to have spent her high school years at Mercy in the company of strong, passionate women with high ideals… and will always consider it to be one of the greatest blessings in her life.