Margaret "Peggy" Smith Canody

Margaret “Peggy” Smith Canody

Oct 31, 1940 - Jul 25, 2026Margaret “Peggy” Smith Canody passed away on July 25, 2026 at age 85 while in hospice care in Fairfax, VA. She was born in Kingston, PA, on October 31, 1940, to parents Stacy and Sally Smith; Peggy was proud to be a Halloween baby like her mother. Her family expanded to a sister Edith (deceased) and a brother, John (surviving). Peggy spent most of her childhood and adult life in Arlington, VA, and Falls Church, VA.

When Peggy met Victor Lacy Canody (husband, deceased), she was working as a Pentagon secretary. She earned an Associates Degree from Northern Virginia Community College. Peggy balanced roles of motherhood and professional duties over the years and notably spent 35 years serving Graham Road UMC as administrative assistant for the church and the child care. She was an active member and volunteer with the church and loved playing in the handbell choir.She raised three sons and two nephews (Don and Michael Canody). She is survived by her sons and their wives (Jim and Janice, David and Barbara, Tom and Teri). Additionally, she is survived by five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Peggy loved attending church, singing hymns, walking, playing cards, and time with friends and family including grandchildren, great grandchildren, and grand nephews and nieces. She loved having children come to the door for Halloween. She appreciated ice cream and loved many forms of chocolate.

Peggy's remains rest at National Memorial Cemetery in Falls Church, VA, next to her husband, Vic. Her memorial service in Falls Church, VA, at Friendship UMC was held August 29, 2026. The family appreciates all those who have reached out with messages of comfort and memories of Peggy. Based on Peggy's heart during life, the family suggests that those who want to contribute in honor of Peggy do so to Friendship UMC with a note that it is in in honor of Peggy Canody and can optionally designate either to "Handbells" or "Child Care."Peggy loved the hymns and the Bible. Though her life on earth is complete where all things wither and fade, eternity is ahead.

A voice says, "Cry!"And I said, "What shall I cry?"All flesh is grass,and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.The grass withers, the flower fadeswhen the breath of the LORD blows on it;surely the people are grass.

The grass withers, the flower fades,but the word of our God will stand forever.

Isaiah 40:38 ESV