Margaret "Peggy" Busch Palmer Varljen, age 84, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at Wellstar Tranquility Hospice in Marietta, Georgia, surrounded by love and holding the hands of her husband and children.

Peggy was born on February 20, 1941, in Steubenville, Ohio, to John and Edys Culnon Busch. Her childhood was shaped by frequent moves across the country due to her parents' work on major government and defense programs. She lived in Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Idaho, Arkansas, and Florida, experiences that fostered adaptability, resilience, and a lifelong devotion to her Christian faith.

Some of her fondest early memories were formed near Sevierville, Tennessee, where her family operated a small country store and gas station. Baptized at the Sevierville Baptist Church at age five, Peggy carried her faith with sincerity and joy throughout her life.

She attended Florida State University, where she studied social welfare and met William "Bill" Palmer, an Army veteran studying public park management. They were married for 42 years and raised two children, Jenni and Will, in Kissimmee, Florida. She was deeply involved with community youth programs and taught Sunday School and VBS for many years.

Creativity and expression were central to Peggy's identity. She was a professional photographer and journalist, documenting local life with warmth and curiosity while covering parades, rodeos, and community events for area newspapers including the Osceola Sentinel. She was also a gifted writer and published author, writing five books in total across crafts, cooking, and spirituality. Her work reflected both her creative energy and her faith.

Peggy later built a distinguished 25-year career in hotel sales and marketing in the Central Florida hospitality industry, earning the Certified Hospitality Sales Executive designation and traveling extensively. She loved gardening, photography, writing, and visiting the Smoky Mountains.

After Bill passed away more than twenty years ago, Peggy found love again. While giving a travel presentation, she met Frank Varljen. Their shared faith, curiosity, and love of exploration grew into a deep partnership filled with joy. Peggy converted to Catholicism, and she and Frank were married on July 26, 2008, at St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Woodstock, Georgia.

Peggy and Frank shared a rich marriage centered on devotion, faith, family, and travel. Together they blended their families, organized and led international religious pilgrimages, and built a life marked by companionship and laughter. Frank was her beloved partner and devoted caregiver in her later years.

Peggy was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, a natural matriarch whose creativity, strength, vibrant spirit, and faith live on through her family.

She is survived by her husband Frank; her children Jenni (Mark) Dudley and Will Palmer; Frank's children Pete (Deb) and Mark (Nancy) Varljen; 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and many extended family members.

A vigil service will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Lakeside Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church with a procession to Georgia National Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Peggy's family suggests donations in her name to the Alzheimer's Association, found Here , or to the Hope Center of Woodstock, GA, which can be found here .