FORT MILL, SC ~ Mrs. Margaret "Peggy" Ann (Burke) Hempe, age 80, passed away Thursday, November 4, 2021, at her home. She was born July 4, 1941, in The Bronx, NY, the daughter of the late Michael Patrick Burke and the late Catherine (Shea) Burke.

Peggy was widely regarded by all who knew her as a genuinely kind, compassionate, and selfless woman whose love for family and friends was exceeded only by her love for Jesus. A devoted and beloved wife, mother, and sister, Peggy got the most joy from just being with, and sharing her big smile and infectious laugh with, her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her friends from church and the neighborhood and community groups she was part of. Her love and compassion extended even to animals, especially dogs, which led her to volunteer at animal shelters as long as she was physically able to. She loved music, whether it was the kind that she could dance to with her husband, or the kind that she could sing along to. Her faith so changed her life that she wanted nothing more than for others to know Jesus the way she did. Even as Alzheimer's impacted her life, it could not suppress her servant's heart in the last days of her life. There is no question that she is now laughing, singing, and gladly serving her Savior in heaven today, just as she did with her family on earth.

Peggy is survived by husband of 50 years, James Walter Hempe; son, Chris Hempe (Melanie); daughter, Donna Hempe; four grandchildren, Adam Brooker, Melissa Brooker, Andrew Hempe, and Evan Hempe; brother, Michael Patrick Burke; sister, Catherine "Katie" (Burke) DeFilippis; and brother-in-law, George Hempe; along with cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The Celebration of Life Service for Peggy will be Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 3:00pm at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home in Lancaster, SC, officiated by Rev. Tim Espar. Private burial will take place at 10:00 am Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale, NY.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association .