Peggy Ann Havener

Peggy Ann Havener, age 64, died peacefully at home with family on October 5, 2022. She exhibited remarkable courage in her battle against a rare cancer. Peggy was born February 20, 1958, to Dr. Robert C. Greiner and Mrs. Joan M. Greiner in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her childhood featured love of the western outdoors, surrounded by friends and family.

As a child she enjoyed tennis, golf, skiing, water skiing, hiking, running, and fishing. Peggy attended the University of New Mexico, later moving to Denver in the early 1980s. She graduated from Metropolitan State College in Denver. Peggy met her husband, Dr. Darrell Havener, a Highlands Ranch dentist and orthodontist, at age 27. They were married in 1989, living in Littleton and Centennial. An exceptional listener and empathetic, faithful confidant, Peggy’s friends often sought her advice. Peggy was drawn to the study of clinical psychology. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from The University of Colorado-Denver. Peggy served briefly as a full-time therapist, providing individual and group counseling, until the arrival of their son Bryan, the love of her life.

Peggy’s maternal nurturing and adoration of her son fulfilled her greatest dreams. As a new mother, Peggy worked part-time, counseling pregnant teens and delved into adoption issues. For many years Peggy helped in the orthodontic office. Years later, as an empty nester, Peggy enjoyed work counseling adoptive families, customer service for seniors in a retirement home and classroom work in a Littleton elementary school. As an adult, Peggy had a fervent quest for greater understanding of her own emotional and spiritual development; she was an advocate for self-improvement as a key to personal growth and as a foundation for happy relationships. She never ceased in her quest for a healthy diet, active lifestyle, and spiritual serenity. She longed for a personal relationship with God.

The intimacy of her ongoing women’s group, started in the 1990s, was replete with semi-annual retreats in the mountains, worship, and study. It fed her soul and provided immense support as she faced life’s struggles. Daily prayers and meditations, group Bible study and, recently, Red Rocks Church provided inspiration. Peggy’s genuine, loving nature fostered authenticity, honest communications and relationships, uncommon depth and meaning. Her faithfulness to friends and family earned Peggy many remarkable, life-long “sisterhood” bonds. She was legendary among her friends for fast-paced walks, fitness, and joy in nature as a cyclist and hiker. She lived to travel on active vacations. Her beautiful eyes, warm smile and infectious laugh will be remembered. Peggy’s amazing culinary talents could match or exceed any kitchen’s creations. Peggy possessed unique wisdom and insights. Her grace, kindness and tenderness delivered comfort and reassurance during crises. Our late doodle dog would agree that it truly is a wonderful experience to walk alongside Peggy and to know Peggy’s love. Peggy was an intelligent, gorgeous, fun, and exciting wife, with a rambunctious spirit. Darrell will always cherish the radiance of her face as she gazed at nature’s splendor. Peggy exuded love. Bryan would attest that no son ever felt more assured that he was loved unconditionally. Motherhood was Peggy’s greatest masterpiece. Most of all we will miss feeling her beautiful presence nearby. We are comforted that her joy will endure eternally with Our Lord in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Peggy is survived by her husband, Darrell, their son, Bryan, her brother Bryan Greiner, sister-in-law Cathy Havener Greer, nieces and nephews Matt Greer and Annie Greer, Amy Baklini, Sean Baklini and Susan Baklini, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her parents preceded her in death, as did her sister, Lynn Greiner Baklini.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11am on Thursday, October 27, at Horan and McConaty’s Chapel, 5303 E County Line Road, Centennial, CO 80122. Horan and McConaty’s will host a reception immediately after the service. There will be cremation.

The family requests that donations in Peggy’s honor may be made to Red Rocks Church, Littleton, or to the Denver Dumb Friends League. We thank Gateway Hospice for their heartfelt, compassionate care.