Peggy Hinman
November 22, 1939 - July 4, 2021
Margaret Snyder Hinman “Peggy”, of Atherton, CA passed away peacefully on July 4, 2021 in the presence of her adoring husband of 59 years, Harvey D. Hinman. Peggy was 81 years old. She is survived by her brother, Robert Snyder; sister, Martha Talbot; and her three children, George, Sarah, and Margi and their spouses, Ann Hinman, John Whittle, and Lucas Heldfond. Peggy was blessed with nine grandchildren: Harvey, Will, Phebe, Alexandra, Henry, Margaret, Oliver, Natalie, and Adrienne.
Peggy was born in Portland, Maine, on November 22, 1939 and grew up in Yarmouth, Maine, where she started her education in a one-room schoolhouse and then attended Waynflete School. She graduated high school from Northfield Mt. Hermon in 1958 as president of her class. She went on to attend Brown University where she met many lifelong friends and the love of her life, Harvey, whom she married the summer after she graduated in 1962.
Harvey and Peggy’s journey began in Ithaca, NY, where she worked at New York Bell Telephone Company and Cornell University. When Harvey graduated from law school, they moved to Menlo Park, CA.
Peggy launched into her new life on the West Coast where she dedicated herself to raising three wonderful children. She was an active member of the Junior League of Palo Alto and quickly made lasting friendships. She enjoyed playing tennis, horseback riding, hiking, skiing, and tending her garden.
Peggy was actively engaged in the San Francisco Colonial Dames, Woodside Atherton Garden Club, Atherton Garden Guild, and the Garden Conservancy, where she served on the San Francisco Board. She was a long-time member of Menlo Church.
Once the kids headed to college, Peggy returned to school to become a landscape architect. Afterwards she opened her own business, Peggy Hinman Landscape Design. Her designs were in high demand and can be seen in beautiful gardens all over the Bay Area, including many of her close friends and family. From there, Peggy’s creativity led her to refine her watercolor skills and become a botanical artist.
Peggy was happiest being surrounded by her family. She particularly enjoyed celebrating milestones and holidays with them in the mountains around Sun Valley and the beaches of Carmel. She had a smile that would light up any room. In her graceful, thoughtful way, she could make you feel like the center of attention while at the same time having you clutching your sides in laughter. Peggy was a devoted wife, a loving mother, an engaged grandmother, and a dear friend. She will be missed.
A memorial service will be held on July 17th at 2 PM at Menlo Church 950 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Filoli 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, CA 94062 or Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation 57 West 57th Street Suite 904, New York, NY 10019, indicating the gift is in memory of Peggy Hinman.