Peg Branvold

Margaret Ellen Branvold passed away on March 16, 2026. To those that loved her most, she was known as Peg, Peggy, or most lovingly, Mom or Grandma. To know Peg was to love her as she was truly a bright light, full of life, love and laughter. Peg was born to Helen Louise Baird (Bayless) and Ralph Owen Baird in St. Louis, Missouri, on February 3, 1950. She spent her childhood in Missouri and Ohio alongside her five siblings: Judy, Sandy, Ginny, Skip and Scott.

Peg spent her high school years in New Jersey and started her college education at Ohio State University. Following her conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Peg transferred to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She studied Mathematics and once noted she was often the only woman in most of her major courses, foreshadowing Peg as a brilliant trailblazer. It was in Provo that she met her forever sweetheart, Dwight Branvold. In a tale of an East Coast girl married to a West Coast boy, Dwight and Peg lived in Virginia, Utah and eventually California.

Peg’s love of education led her to teach junior high and high school math. However, Peg became the greatest teacher to her three children: Stephen, Tu’i and Scott, who were sealed to her and Dwight in the Oakland California Temple. The most significant lessons she shared with her children include the recipe of Clint Eastwood’s favorite cookies, the secrets of enjoying a long road trip, how to host midnight pancake parties and that the best month to go to the beach was February.

Once her children were in grade school, Peg returned to teach algebra at Gilroy High School. It’s hard to compile all of Peg’s many accomplishments as she worked full-time, mothered full-time and was very active in her religious community. Some highlights include leadership roles in Relief Society, international travels with her husband and opening her home to everyone and anyone (this included being serenaded by San Jose State’s defensive line while she made them pancakes after a pool party).

Peg and Dwight began their retirement together in 2017 with a move to Paradise, California. After settling into their new home, Peg began her calling as Relief Society President, shortly before the Camp Fire of 2018. She selflessly administered natural disaster relief for her community while also navigating the loss of her own home.

Peg and Dwight then relocated to Hyde Park, Utah, ecstatic to enjoy more time as grandparents to their beloved granddaughters: Kodi and Alette. Peg began to enjoy a slower life, whether through water aerobics, temple attendance or volunteering at her granddaughters’ school.

Following a previous Stage II Melanoma diagnosis and remission in 2022, her cancer returned in 2025. Peg’s cancer had progressed to Stage IV, but she bravely pursued whatever option might allow for more time with her family. Peg was admitted to various facilities as part of a clinical trial for new cutting-edge melanoma treatment. Hers was the first case at the University of Utah for an innovative bone marrow transplant to treat solid-tumor cancers. Peg once again served as a trailblazer and teacher; this time for doctors, nurses, and medical assistants alike. While Peg spent a the majority of 2025 and 2026 receiving in-patient care, her life-loving humor, bravery and Christlike compassion never diminished.

Peg’s life is an enduring testimony of her love towards her Heavenly Father, her Savior Jesus Christ and her family above all else. We are left with a tremendous loss but are comforted by Peg’s legacy of lifelong love, friendship and companionship. It’s not goodbye, but see you later.

Peg was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Skip (Ralph Owen) Baird III, and her sister Jennifer (Ginny) Mohl. She is survived by her husband Dwight Nels Branvold and children Stephen Nels Branvold, Tu’i Branvold (Keilani Applegate), Scott Branvold, and granddaughters Kodi Marie Branvold and Alette Nicole Branvold.

A viewing will be held on Friday, March 27th from 5-7pm MDT at 65 E Center Street, Hyde Park, Utah. A second viewing will be held at the same location the following morning, Saturday, March 28th from 9:30-10:30am MDT, followed by funeral services in the chapel at 11am MDT. If you wish to join us virtually, please click this link to watch the live funeral service: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378276776

Interment will be at the Hyde Park Cemetery located at 400 E Center Street, Hyde Park, Utah immediately after.

Click this link to view additional details about Peg's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/peg-branvold