Dr, Margaret (Peggy) Boyd

Dr. Margaret (Peggy) Boyd, 83, devoted mother, grandmother and wife, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2016 surrounded by her loving family from complications of pneumonia. She was born and raised in The Bronx New York along with her two brothers, John and James, to Irish immigrants, John Tivnan and Margaret (Tobin) Tivnan. She left New York as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines where she met her first husband Donald Boyd. They moved to Florida where she had three boys Dan, Kerry and Brian. Her husband Donald died in 1962 leaving her with 3 sons age 3-5 and without career or degree. She was a courageous, remarkable woman going to work and school and achieving an RN from Florida State University. In 1970 she received a grant from the University of San Francisco to continue her education in nursing. She was awarded a master degree at UCSF while also teaching at the university. She went on to receive her PhD from UC Berkeley. During this time she met her second husband, David Wilson. Upon completion of her PhD, she published a book, “The Silent Wound” in 1984, which presented her research findings on the link between adolescent female sexuality and breast cancer. In the 1990’s she worked on several grants for Cancer research and which set up some of the first California breast cancer registries. In addition to her professional life, she enjoyed traveling the world. She especially enjoyed visiting Ireland, her ancestral home. In 2007 she arranged a family reunion in An Rhin (Ring) Ireland for the American side of the family to meet the Irish side. Peggy is survived by her three sons Daniel, Kerry and Brian. She also is survived by her six grandchildren Ian, Alana, Delia, Granya, Katie and Gemma. Always an Inspiration to Family, friends and students, Peggy was a generous, courageous, kind and dignified woman who despite overwhelming challenges, lived a great life devoted to her family, friends and Public Health. A service will be held at St. Ignatius Church on Friday, January 29 at 12 noon followed by burial services at the Presidio. Send flowers or contributions may be made to The American Breast Cancer Society.