Peggy Ann Tirk

Peggy Ann Tirk | October 13, 1960 – October 03, 2025

Peggy Tirk, 64, of Ravensdale, Washington, passed away on Friday, October 03, 2025.

Born October 13, 1960, in Seattle to Donald and Suzanne (Solum) Tirk, Peggy was raised by parents who were both career educators—her mother a music teacher, and her father a principal and coach—which instilled in her a lifelong respect for learning, the arts, and civic engagement. She attended local schools and graduated from Tahoma High School, earning a reputation for being an exemplary student. Peggy received her degree in International Political Economics and German Language and Area Studies from the University of Washington in 1982 (including study at Philipps-Universität Marburg in Germany). She later completed graduate studies at Columbia University and the University of Washington.

Peggy began her career in Washington, DC, working first for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and later for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with the Egyptian-U.S. and Turkish-U.S. Business Councils. In the early 1990s, she returned to Seattle to pursue opportunities in the technology industry, first at the University of Washington and later in the private sector with Douglas Stewart and Adobe Systems.

She served as faculty with the Semester at Sea program, traveling to the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Asia. Peggy also participated in Habitat for Humanity build projects around the world, including alongside President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn, experiences that she greatly valued.

Peggy was very proud of her family's heritage in Norway and Eastern Europe and made several visits to connect with extended family. She loved music and the performing arts—especially opera and theatre—as well as history, books, and film. She was an avid Washington Huskies fan and cherished time spent with family and friends at Pelican Lake, Minnesota, a favorite gathering place across many decades.

Peggy will be remembered for her intellect, generosity, adventurous spirit, and curiosity about the world around her. She is survived by her sister, Millicent Tirk of Minneapolis, Minnesota; several aunts and uncles; as well as numerous cousins and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Her spirit, wit, and laughter will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. A celebration of Peggy's life will be held next summer at Pelican Lake, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Peggy’s name to the Carter Center in Atlanta, Habitat for Humanity, or the American Cancer Society. Friends are invited to share memories, view photos, and sign the online guestbook at Legacy.com.