Peggy Louise Lenz

Peggy Louise (Hoyt) Lenz was born into eternal life on Sunday, December 31, 2023, in the caring presence of her family during her stay in hospice care. Her long and valiant fight against metastatic breast cancer demonstrated her strength and resilience. Born on May 19, 1944, in Tecumseh, Michigan, to Hugh H. and Elizabeth A. (Miller) Hoyt, Peggy's life was a testament to love, dedication, and service.

Peggy grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and was a Scott High School graduate, marrying her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) J. Lenz, Jr., in 1968. Their 45-year marriage was a journey of love and partnership, blessed with three sons, BJ, Peter, and Karl, and further joyed by her five grandsons. Peggy's role as a wife, mother, and grandmother was filled with unwavering love and commitment.

A passionate advocate for fitness and wellness, Peggy dedicated herself to teaching senior citizens about the importance of flexibility and maintaining an active lifestyle. She was a Body Recall program instructor for 13 years and the founder of the Move 2 Improve program, which she taught and directed for 14 years. Her zest for life was evident in her achievements. She was a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Course, the first certified level one rollerblade instructor in Toledo, and a three-time participant in the MS: Bike to the Bay event bringing awareness to Multiple Sclerosis.

Peggy's community involvement was extensive and heartfelt. She was a devoted scouting mom, helping all three sons achieve their Eagle Scout rank, a supportive member of the Mother Support Group at Ottawa Hills High School for 20 years, and an active member of Hope Lutheran Church and later Pathway Community Church. She took great joy in supporting her grandsons at their sporting events, always being the most enthusiastic cheerleader from the sidelines. Peggy was an avid Buckeye fan, her passion further fueled by her pride in her sons' attending The Ohio State University.

Her career as a graduate surgical technician at St. Vincent and Doctor's Hospitals showcased her dedication to helping others. Peggy's care extended beyond her professional life, as seen in her 14 years of caregiving for her husband, her volunteer work at the Child Life Center at Toledo Hospital, and her involvement with pediatric patients in the Smiles with Style Program where she spent 3 years helping to bring joy and brighten the days of those hospitalized.

After moving to the Otterbein Senior Life Community in 2019 to be near family, Peggy continued her service as a Birthday Committee volunteer and a Friend of the Mason Public Library.

Peggy leaves behind a legacy of love and service, survived by her sons William “BJ” Lenz III, Peter (Carolyn) Lenz, and her adored grandsons Maxwell, Wyatt, Andrew, Hugh, and William Lenz, siblings Hannah Wilson, Hugh (Joan) Hoyt, Bernie (Laura) Hoyt, Mary Vetter, in-laws Jan Hoyt, Charles Lenz, Carol (Paul) Doerfler and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William J. Lenz, Jr., her son Karl H. Lenz, brothers Mark Hoyt and Brett Hoyt, and in-laws Eugene Wilson, Eileen Lenz, and Gerald Vetter.

Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Peggy's life on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Pathway Community Church, 2160 Eastbrook Drive, Toledo, OH 43613. Visitation will be held from 10 - 11 am followed by the funeral service at 11 am. Reverend Linda Davison will officiate, with interment to follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Online condolences may be made at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peggy's memory to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/donate or the Arbor Day Foundation at https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative, two causes close to her heart.

Peggy's remarkable journey through life, filled with love, laughter, and selfless service, will forever be cherished and remembered by all who were blessed to know her.