Marguerite "Peggie" Marie Bouse Visavati

Marguerite Marie “Peggie” Bouse Visavati passed away peacefully at Sayre Health Care Center on July 31, 2023. She was born on November 20, 1948 in Paterson, New Jersey to Katherine Henderson Bouse and James Joseph Bouse, Sr. 

Peggie graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Paterson and earned her cosmetology license from Raritan Community College. She was the proud mother of two sons. They relocated to Meshoppen, Pennsylvania in 1985, where she married Benjamin B. Visavati. 

Peggie was a fierce and inspiring woman. She always stood up for the underdog and was a fighter for justice. She had a strong sense of humor and loved soul music. Her presence was strong, powerful, and loving. She was an activist, a humanitarian, a poet, and a forever rebel.

On September 14, 1986, the course of her life changed forever when a drunk driving accident took the life of her fifteen-year-old son Eugene and permanently disabled her seventeen-year-old son, Derek.

Following the tragedy, Peggie channeled her grief into action, becoming active with Mothers Against Drunk Driving with whom she would start the Bradford County chapter. For the next few decades she devoted herself to traveling and speaking across the state, telling her story as she addressed offenders, lawmakers, and schools. She shared her story in hopes to bring awareness to the reality and risk of drinking and driving. She was told by many that her story helped people change their outlook and behaviors, potentially saving many lives.

Peggie was instrumental in getting meaningful legislation passed and secured a memorial brick for Geno in Harrisburg. She was awarded the Eckerd Award and various other accolades for her heartfelt community service. For a time she also worked as a victims advocate in neighboring Wyoming County.

Peggie is survived by her son Derek Bouse (and partner Lea) of Wyalusing, grandson Devin Wolf (and wife Megan) of Tunkhannock, granddaughter Kailin Bouse (and partner Ryan) of Scranton, sister Kathleen Bien of Indian Hill, sister Mary Johnson of Bridgewater, New Jersey, brother James Bouse, Jr (and wife Ann) of Florida, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Benjamin, son Geno, sister Joanne Dabek, and innumerable family and friends.

A celebration of life event is being planned to honor Peggie in the Fall. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/final-expenses-memorial-for-peggie-bouse for her final expenses or to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA 18614. 

To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to homerfuneralhome.com. 

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