Mary Margaret “Peggy” Wright and her contributions to Belize

Published by [email protected] at August 27, 2023

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Posted: Sunday, August 27, 2023. 3:01 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Mary Margaret Wright, fondly known by her loved ones as Peggy due to her father’s endearing term “Peg of My Heart”, was an exemplar of dedication, resilience, and service. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, her early life was influenced by her close-knit family, her faith, and a brief romance tragically cut short by war. But it was her service to the Belizean education system in the mid-1980s that left a particularly indelible mark.

While her service with the Daughters of Charity had taken her across the United States, it was her tenure in Belize that became one of the hallmarks of her lifelong commitment to education and community service. Belize like many developing nations, faced challenges in the field of education.

Upon receiving a US Aid grant from the State Department, Peggy embarked on her journey to the University College of Belize in Belize City. Her dedication to teaching history was not unnoticed, as she quickly came to the attention of the Minister of Education. Recognizing her talents, they extended an invitation for her to organize and train the library staff at the Belize Teachers College, and later, at the Stella Morris School for the Blind.

Her expertise in library sciences, sharpened by her studies and service at Western Kentucky University (WKU), positioned Peggy as an invaluable asset for Belize. Not only did she assist in training a new generation of Belizean librarians, but she also played an integral role in conceptualizing, planning, and building a new library for the University College of Belize. This involved collaborating closely with architects, sourcing an initial collection from the US, and ensuring the institution was set up for success from day one.

Peggy’s commitment to Belize did not end there. Recognizing the broader challenges faced by Tertiary College Libraries across the nation, she embarked on a comprehensive study, culminating in an official report for the Government of Belize. This document would go on to inform policy and structure for tertiary libraries in the country, shaping the academic future for countless Belizeans.

Her love for Belize was also evident in her later work back at WKU. Peggy trained several visiting Belizean librarians, ensuring the legacy of her work continued. With her experience and leadership, she bridged the knowledge gap, ensuring that Belizean students and scholars had access to the same resources and training as their international counterparts.

Despite her vast achievements and international recognition, Peggy remained humble and grounded, often found reminiscing about her travels to Belize and Central America among other global destinations. Her Park Street home became a hub for countless gatherings, emphasizing her love for connection and community. Even in her later years, she continued to serve, offering counsel to inmates and teaching classes in Bowling Green.

She passed away on Friday, August 25, at the age of 98.

As Belize and its educational community mourn the loss of this luminary, they also celebrate her invaluable contributions. Peggy’s legacy in Belize is a testament to her dedication, love for knowledge, and belief in the transformative power of education. It’s a legacy that will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.

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