VIRGINIA BEACH—Margaret Smith Ray (Peggy) died at her home in Virginia Beach, Va., on January 18, 2013, at the age of 91.

She was born on April 11, 1921, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the child of Thomas Walter Smith and Margaret Ellis Smith.

She was graduated from Dana Hall School in Massachusetts and Randolph-Macon Women’s College in Virginia.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, John Edwin Ray, 3rd. They lived with their family in his childhood home, Franklin, Va., until 1964.

Throughout her life, Peggy was an active community volunteer. She particularly enjoyed her time as a Girl Scout leader in Franklin, which was reminiscent of her time as a Girl Guide in Brazil.

In 1964, she and her husband moved to New York and later to New Jersey. In 1984, they moved back to Virginia and lived in Virginia Beach for the rest of their lives.

She was a member of Eastern Shore Chapel.

It was in New York that she found a passion for library work when she became a volunteer at Roosevelt Hospital. Her involvement and skills increased so that in the last 10 years, she ran the library, instituted an original Health Education program and gained a good dose of self-esteem. She continued to use her library skills at the Episcopal churches she attended.

She also served as a trustee of Randolph-Macon Women’s College.

Peggy is survived by her three children, Margaret Shepherd Ray, Virginia Beach, Va., John Burton Ray and his wife, Denise, of Kamuela, Hawaii, and Caroline Ray Hovey and her husband, Thomas, of Annisquam, Ma.

She is survived as well by six beloved grandchildren, Margaret Ellis Foley, Charles Lindsay Gibbs II, Najha Caroline Ray, Margo Shepherd Ray, Eliza Brown Cowan and Katherine Hubbard Brown; and eight great-grandchildren as well as her most favorite friend and partner-in-crime, Patricia Page.

She was lovingly cared for by her dedicated team of nurses.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Membership Department, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, Md., 21403.

Funeral plans will be announced at a later date.