Margaret "Peggy" Ballard

Margaret "Peggy" (Hall) Ballard, of Malden and formerly of Melrose, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was 92.

Born in Malden on February 17, 1933, to Starr and Blanche J. (Forsyth) Hall, Sr., Peggy graduated from Malden High School. She married her beloved Paul E. Ballard and raised their family in Melrose.

Peggy was a take-charge woman-decisive, capable, and always in motion. Family came first: she enjoyed knitting, cooking memorable meals, and kept the house spotless. Peggy also enjoyed dancing and music. Warm and sociable, she loved a good laugh and good company.

In retirement, she and Paul traveled widely-cruises, motorcycle rides along New England backroads, and countless other adventures.

Peggy led a life of love, and her big heart and smile will be missed by all blessed to know her.

Peggy was the beloved wife of the late Paul E. Ballard with whom she shared 55 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Thomas P. Ballard and his wife Sherre of Glendale, AZ, Blanche Tarantino and her husband Steven of Winthrop, and the late Christopher Ballard and his surviving wife Lisa of Manchester, NH. Loving sister of the late Starr Hall, Jr and his surviving wife Helen, Late Charles Hall, and Late Marjorie Santo and her late husband Robert. Proud grandmother of Amanda Reyes and her husband Robert, Christine Tarantino, Julie Michaels and her husband Christopher, and Ryan and Marissa Ballard. Cherished great grandmother of Caroline Reyes and Van Michaels. Special acknowledgement to Sandy Santo and Linda Dustin for their loving devotion.

Services will remain private.

Contributions in Peggy's memory may be made Mystic Valley Elder Services, 300 Commercial St. #19, Malden, MA. 02148.