Peggy Fracassi McMenamy

Peggy Fracassi McMenamy, 61, Bismarck, died May 31, 2012, from complications associated to the treatment of cancer. Services will be held at 10:30 am Monday, June 18, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bismarck, with Rev. John Guthrie officiating. Peggy's ashes will be buried at her husband's grave site in Reynolds, ND. Peggy was born April 10, 1951, in Bismarck, ND, the daughter of Leonard and Eileen Dolly Fracassi. She graduated from the University of North Dakota with three degrees; Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Social Work. With nearly 30 years of social work, Peggy has a long history of helping others less fortunate from many walks of life. She spent her final years dedicated to the care of her mother who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. On December 22, 1975, Peggy married Thomas McMenamy in Crookston, MN. They moved to Reynolds, ND. At age 41, Tom suffered a debilitating stroke rendering him quadriplegic and committed to care in a nursing facility for 14 years. Peggy never abandoned him and made the most of an unpleasant situation. She and Tom learned to communicate with a word board, identifying letters of the alphabet with specific eye movements. In time, Peggy mastered this method of communication and could eventually finish his sentences while serving as his interpreter. Peggy was instrumental in helping Tom earn the Handicapped Person of the Year Award for his advancements and achievements in communication and mobility. In 1997, Peggy opened her home for an extended stay to seven victims of the horrendous flood in Grand Forks. She volunteered numerous hours and resources in helping relatives, friends, and strangers. In 2004, Peggy moved back to Bismarck to be closer to her family. In 2004, she went to work at the Department of Corrections as a social worker in the treatment department and felt blessed to have formed deep friendships with several co-workers. Peggy is survived by one sister, Nancy Tom Dietz, Bismarck; three brothers, Denny Anita, Bismarck; Tom Becky, Sauk Rapids, MN; and John Rhonda, Keller, TX; and one brother-in-law, Danny McMenamy, Grand Forks. Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her parents; and one brother, Lenny. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Peggy's name to your favorite charity.

Peggy Fracassi McMenamy

April 10, 1951 - May 31, 2012