Margaret "Peg" Williams Bierden

Margaret (Peg) Williams Bierden passed away peacefully on January 15, 2023.

Peg was born in Winona, MN on November 10, 1940 to Ralph and Florence Williams. She attended Winona High School and the College of St.Teresa where she earned an education degree in 1962. In Winona, she also met James Bierden and the couple was married in 1964.

Their early marriage was spent in Minneapolis, MN and Ann Arbor, MI where Jim earned his PhD and accepted a teaching position at Rhode Island College in 1969. The couple relocated to Rhode Island, a move that would shape their lives for the next 53 years, and where they would raise their four children.

In Bristol, RI, Peg followed in her mother’s footsteps and became the children’s librarian at the local library. The family moved to North Providence, RI in 1973, and Peg then ran an active children’s program at the North Providence Union Free Library and was inspired to pursue a Masters of Library and Information Science at the University of Rhode Island. With advanced degree in hand, Peg accepted a role as librarian for three elementary schools in Woonsocket, RI. She traveled between the schools, adding her special creativity and warmth to the curriculum.

Peg had a passion for books and kids beyond the classroom and library. In addition to her roles as PTA President and Girl Scout leader, she was an active volunteer with the RI Festival of Children’s Books & Authors and Books Are Wings, a local nonprofit whose mission is putting free books in the hands of children. She once said that if she could inspire just one child to read, she would feel she had made a difference. Peg’s impact went far beyond one child. In addition to being an inspiration to her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, Peg has read out loud to thousands of children, has instilled an appreciation for literature in hundreds of kids as well as adults, and has been part of getting countless books into the hands of children.

In addition to being very involved in their children’s lives, Peg and Jim were aso active members of the Rhode Island College community, attending cultural events, finding a faith community, actively supporting the Shinn Study Abroad Fund, and developing their closest friendships.

Peg and Jim traveled the world together, visiting family or creating their own adventures as perfect travel companions. On their 50th wedding anniversary, Jim told us all that they were still very much in love and each other’s best friend.

The Bierdens retired to their beloved beach house in Narragansett, RI where Peg could be found volunteering at the polls, campaigning in support of the local library, or reading on the beach. Always the consummate host and hostess, Jim and Peg continued their tradition of opening their doors in hospitality – their home is a favorite place for generations of family and friends.

Peg is the beloved wife of James Bierden, loving and proud mother and mother-in-law of Beth Bierden, Susan Bierden Robinson, Peter and Barbara Bierden, and Paul and Sheryl Bierden and the treasured grandmother of Ryan and Katie Robinson, Meghan and Andrew Bierden, and Charlie, Max and Will Bierden. She is the cherished sister of James Laney Williams. Peg is a favorite aunt, friend, colleague and neighbor who set an example of kindness and caring. She leaves a strong legacy and will be deeply missed by many.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 20th, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 21st at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Star of the Sea, 864 Point Judith Road, Narragansett, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Peg Bierden to organizations that were important to her – San Miguel School, Sophia Academy or Books Are Wings.