Margaret Ann Conroy Joseph

Margaret Ann Conroy Joseph, affectionately known as Peggy, 84, quietly entered into eternal life on Thursday, June 2, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Peggy was born in St. Joseph’s Hospital in New York City in 1937 to James J. Conroy, Jr. and Helen Conroy. She was the fifth of seven children. The family lived for a time in Far Rockaway, New York, but moved to Olney, Maryland, when Peggy was young. She attended an all-girls Catholic school in Howard County, Maryland, then Georgetown University's School of Nursing in Washington, DC. While in training at Georgetown, she met Dr. Carium Joseph, a South Carolina native who was then an OB/GYN resident at Georgetown University Hospital. Peggy and Carium were married in 1960 in Bethesda, Maryland, and moved to Charleston where they raised their six children. She committed her life to God, to her family, and to her community.

A devout Catholic, Peggy lived her faith. After moving to Charleston, Peggy and Carium established the first Catholic marriage preparation course, Pre-Cana, in the Charleston Catholic diocese. She was a long-standing member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and could often be found praying the rosary—or, for more serious matters, a novena— for her children and grandchildren. A devoted wife and dedicated mother and grandmother, Peggy never smiled brighter or laughed louder than when she was with her family. With a joyful heart and a selfless spirit, Peggy was also involved in extensive volunteer work. She engaged local retailers to make donations to silent auctions for Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach on Johns Island. A truly gifted cook, she and her friends shared their recipes—and raised funds for Bishop England High School—through their cookbook, Gracious Goodness. A proud graduate of Georgetown, Peggy was the first president of the Georgetown University South Carolina Alumni Club. As president, she initiated and organized the successful bicentennial celebration for the Club in 1989 and interviewed countless students for undergraduate admissions to Georgetown.

Peggy is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dr. Carium Joseph; her children: Kathy Macaron, Kevin Joseph, Dr. Molly Joseph (Scott Pressler), Amy Collins (Bryan Collins), and Jenny Fraser (Keith Fraser); her eight grandchildren; and her siblings: Helen Mourra, Kathy Flanagan, and Jim Conroy. She was predeceased by her eldest daughter, Karen Joseph; her son-in-law Elie Macaron (Kathy); and her daughter-in-law, Sally Joseph (Kevin). She was deeply loved and cherished by her family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends of Peggy Joseph are invited to attend her Visitation between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM Monday, June 6, 2022  at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 Saint Teresa Drive, Charleston, SC. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery on James Island.

Memorial contributions may be made in Peggy's name for the benefit of the Bishop England High School Fund ( www.behs.com/giving/ways-to-give/ ) or Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach ( www.olmoutreach.org/donating ).

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365.