Margaret "Peggy" DEAN

Margaret Dean Braz

Peggy's 2011 Autobiography

What a great day it was in June of 1961 when we donned our caps and gowns and marched down the aisle. Most of us had college plans by that time and were off to a new adventure. I was headed to the University of Florida. Hating cold weather, I had vowed to move south. (Now I hate the hot weather!) I spent 4 glorious years in Gainesville and became a huge Gator fan. Of course November 22, 1963, my 20th birthday, was a day of infamy which we all remember. After graduating in 1965, I headed to Brevard County, Florida, which is where the Kennedy Space Center is located, to accept a teaching position for 9th grade English. I was married shortly afterward. I remained with the Brevard County Education Department until 1978, during which time I had taught in several schools, obtained my Master’s degree and provided our family with 2 new mouths to feed, a son, John, in 1972 and a daughter, Kimberly, in 1973. This was the first stage of my adult life.

The next stage was a new occupation. I joined the City of Melbourne’s (still in Brevard County) Planning and Economic Development department. I really loved my work with the City except for the 2 years when I was foolish enough to accept the position of Public Information Officer. Other than that I worked my way up in the Planning field until I was director of the Department. It was a fascinating job working with Comprehensive Plans, keeping development running smoothly and my favorite: the redevelopment efforts, which have been very satisfying. I still enjoy the fruits of my labor as I drive through the redevelopment districts.

During those middle years my children grew up and my son went to college graduating with a degree in fine art. My daughter traveled through Europe modeling for several years before coming home, settling down, getting married, raising a family and going back to school. She and her husband have blessed us with Hannah now 12, and 10 year old twins, Will and Ben. I really get to enjoy them since they live only 2 miles away. My son married last November but that is in the next stage of my life.

Stage three started in 2003 when I retired. Wonderful! Wonderful! My husband and I took several road trips across the US and continued with a couple more trips to Europe which we started in the early 1990’s. We decided that we really liked the Oregon coast and we now have a summer home there. I guess I can blame it on Birdie Wilson (Class of ’61) who I visited out there. In addition to traveling, I took up genealogy and have been intrigued with my and my husband's heritage. As a result I have joined the DAR. I also took up quilting as a way to finish some beautiful quilt tops that my grandmother left unfinished over 60 years ago. That has led to wonderful friendships and lots of fun.

Years ago Birdie and I said that we would go back to Westport for our 50th reunion but as it approached we hesitated. Now, we are looking forward to seeing everyone and I am wishing that I could recall those high school years a little better.

Thank God for yearbooks!