Margaret A. “Peg” (Murphy) Hart, age 93, of Braintree, formerly of St. Peter’s Parish in Dorchester, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 surrounded by all of her daughters and granddaughters. Beloved wife of the late James E. Hart. Devoted mother of Elaine Haraska and her husband Carl of Braintree, Margaret Loschi and her late husband Christopher of East Granby, CT, and Marie Hart of Seattle, WA. Loving grandmother of Carla Haraska of Lexington, KY, Mairead Loschi of Somerville, MA, and Fiona Loschi of East Granby, CT. The oldest and last to pass of four siblings, she was predeceased by her two brothers George Murphy and Edward “Teddy” Murphy, and her sister Geraldine (Murphy) Marsolais. Peg is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Born in Dorchester on July 26, 1931, daughter of the late Edward C. Murphy and Nora Murphy, she was raised in the Meeting House Hill neighborhood and was a graduate of Jeremiah E. Burke High School, Class of 1949.

Always known for organization and attention to detail, Peg was employed in numerous secretarial roles over the years. While working in the same office, she met her now late husband James E. Hart who she dated for several years. She faithfully corresponded with him throughout his time serving during the Korean War, before eventually marrying in October of 1954. They spent many happy years together, raising their family and watching it grow, before he passed in 1990.

Peg worked for several of the Boston Public Schools for close to 30 years, proudly spending the majority of her years of employment at the former John Marshall School in Dorchester, before retiring in 2001.

She fiercely loved her children, and adored her grandchildren. She was an exceptionally proud resident of Boston and ensured both generations not only knew their local lore, but saw a vast majority of the historic sites in person. Generous to a fault, she loved to give gifts, and carry on family traditions. She continuously tried, and sometimes succeeded in teaching both generations how to knit, sew, and craft. An avid photographer, she ensured every family event, activity, and adventure was captured. Regardless of their own independent pursuits, she always celebrated their successes.

She was a summer resident of Cape Cod for almost her entire life, and was fortunate enough to have enjoyed residing in both the town of East Sandwich, and later in South Yarmouth, where she attended daily mass at St. Pius X. Parish.

A life-long learner, Peg continued to attend local art classes through her younger adult years, but was especially excited to attend UMass Boston’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, in which she was constantly seeking knowledge in her favorite subject, history, up until her final years of life.

Peg was a longtime member of many volunteer organizations and clubs, and loved organizing and participating in social events, while giving back to others. She was an active member of the Braintree Catholic Women’s Club, serving as President during the club’s centennial anniversary. She was honored to lead the club’s scholarship fund which allowed her to provide opportunities based beyond academic merit alone. She was also a member of the Braintree Women’s Club and their bowling league. She frequented the Braintree Council on Aging’s senior center, where she enjoyed playing cards, taking painting classes, and seeing many dear friends. In addition to clubs, she was an active parishioner of the former Saint Thomas More Church in Braintree, and Saint Peter’s Parish in Dorchester.

She was a wonderfully creative person who had a true gift for aesthetics. Her various hobbies and talents included gardening, arts and crafts, knitting, fashion, and decorating. In her final years she found great enjoyment in acrylic painting, focusing on still lifes and landscapes. She was also an avid traveler with a true sense of adventure and a full passport, going so far as to take on white water rafting for her 80th birthday.

Most of all she was devoted to her family, and a true friend until the very end. The living definition of a matriarch, a light has gone from our lives that can never be replaced. She will be dearly missed, and forever remembered in our hearts.

Visiting Hours will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Monday, May 5, from 4 – 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Saint John the Baptist Church, 44 School Street, Quincy, on Tuesday, May 6, at 10:30 a.m. Interment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, on Wednesday, May 7, at 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, and due to floral restrictions at the cemetery, donations in Peg’s memory may be made to the Braintree Council on Aging, 71 Cleveland Avenue, Braintree, MA 02184.