Peggy Norene LaCount, 100, of Valparaiso, IN passed away peacefully on July 3, 2023. She was born on November 7, 1922, on her family’s cattle ranch in Waterman, Oregon to Gustav A. Soderling Sr. and Idell Cawthorne Soderling. In 1929, her family moved to Eureka, Montana where she was raised. After graduating from Lincoln County High School, Peggy moved to Spokane, WA where she attended Kinman Business University later meeting her husband in a psychology class. She was employed at General Mills, INC. and later pursued courses in real estate, accounting, and creative arts. After meeting her husband, Dr. D. Paul LaCount, the couple returned to his hometown of Valparaiso, IN. where they made their home, enjoyed 50 years of marriage, and raised their family.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, her four sisters, three brothers and her granddaughter, Stephanie Hettinger MacDermaid. She is survived by her daughters: Suzanne LaCount of Valparaiso, IN and Nancy LaCount (Clarence/Skeets) Hettinger of Louisville, KY; her grandchildren: Paul Hettinger(Hyunsook) of Seoul, South Korea, Brian Hettinger(Amanda), and Kerry Hettinger of Louisville, KY; and great-grandson Patrick Hettinger; as well as many loving nieces, nephews and their families.
Peggy was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church where she served on the vestry and Altar Guild and taught Sunday school. She was also a former member of Beta Chapter of Tri Kappa, Chapter EG of P.E.O., the Porter Memorial Hospital Guild, and a Girl Scout Leader. Peggy was a life-long learner who had a keen intellectual curiosity about the world around her. She enjoyed art, antiques, reading, working puzzles, wildlife, studying world affairs and history and was recently heard saying, “Imagine what we will learn in the future. I am curious about what’s ahead.” Her grandchildren described her as generous and caring, forward-thinking, and young-at-heart. Peggy was a woman of deep faith, with a kind, quiet and graceful presence who loved her family. The family would like to extend their gratitude to her physicians, caretakers, and VNA Hospice.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 17, 2023, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Valparaiso, IN from 10:00 - 11:00 am with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. Burial will be held at Adams Cemetery in Morgan Township. Expressions of sympathy: VNA Hospice; St. Andrews Episcopal Church; Porter County Animal Shelter; or Hilltop Neighborhood House all in Valparaiso, IN
“We have to make room for the next generation. We are just one moment on this earth.” (Peggy LaCount, 7/23/2022)
GUESTBOOK
Nancy and Suzanne, my heart is with you and your family. I will always treasure the memories of how our parents were such great friends, for decades, and how that friendship was so deep and meaningful. A great example for all of us to remember and emulate. -Jackie Gray
We are sorry for your loss of such a special person as Peggy was. We are thinking of you and your family as you celebrate her amazing life. -Eric and Angela Siekman/Family
To the family of Aunt Peggy, whose birthday I shared. Sending love and condolences during this time. My parents said my great aunt a lot of fun & I think we had more in common than just the birthday... I also like puzzles and being young-at-heart. Take care of each other! -Emily Dickerson (maiden name Sorensen)
Suzanne and Nancy: What a wonderful woman your mom was and what a hostess to so many of us during flag football games on your front lawn! It’s not an easy thing to say that last goodby to our moms yet what great moms we’ve both had! You’ll both be in my thoughts and prayers! -Rebecca Korby
Nancy, Suzanne, and family - sending our love and condolences. I have great memories of traveling to Valparaiso to visit over the years. Aunt Peggy was always so hospitable and welcoming. I admired her grace & kindness, she was such a wonderful person! We will be thinking of all of you. -John-Mark & Jennifer Valo
