LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — Past and present Lafayette teachers are celebrating the life of Marguerite "Peggy" Morgan. She was an English teacher at Tecumseh Middle School for around 30 years. She retired about three years ago and often worked as a substitute in Lafayette.
On Thursday, she was killed in a hit and run while riding her bike in Benton County. Tuesday, Jul. 28 would have been her 76th birthday.
These teachers traditionally get together for lunch every summer to celebrate birthdays. Unfortunately, this year's celebration of birth became a celebration of life.
"We had talked that very day about where we would meet for lunch and how long we'd have to eat and so that was why it was a shock," said Shirley Babcock, friend/colleague of Morgan.
More than a dozen of Morgan's friends and colleagues gathered to remember the good times.
"She was a dear friend, she was extremely intelligent and just an excellent, excellent teacher," said Theresa Huston, friend/colleague of Morgan.
"I was always amazed at how good she worked with even the toughest kids, like kids who didn't want to be there," said Laura Mark, friend/colleague of Morgan.
Her colleagues describe her as hilarious with a toughness that was rooted in love.
"She loved kids and she loved life and her remembrance will go on," said Juliet Keers, friend/colleague of Morgan.
Morgan's husband, Doug Morgan said the day or the incident is unforgettable.
"It's the worst tragedy I've ever experienced in my life," said Doug Morgan.
But Morgan is finding peace in knowing his wife's legacy is not only living on through her coworkers but also her students.
"Students have gone on to have extremely productive and highly successful careers so they know the value of a good education because they're using it and Peggy was the consummate professional," said Doug Morgan.
The family is planning a memorial service in Goodland where she's from. That will happen at a later date.
